"In the minority" - Sheffield United told to make bold Gus Hamer call ahead of Bristol City, Sheffield Wednesday | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit believes Gus Hamer should remain on the bench for games against Bristol City and Sheffield Wednesday.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Gus Hamer has been in and out of the Sheffield United team in recent weeks, but many fans will perhaps hope that he makes a return against Bristol City in midweek and in the Steel City derby against Sheffield Wednesday.

Hamer started each of the first eight league games of the season before dropping to the bench against Luton Town. The Sheffield United midfielder was on four yellow cards ahead of a huge game against Leeds United at Elland Road.

During the 2-0 loss to Daniel Farke's side, Hamer was reinstated into the line-up, but he suffered a minor calf injury and was subsequently back amongst the substitutes for a 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough.

Hamer came on in that game with 28 minutes to go but picked up his fifth yellow of the campaign, which saw him miss out altogether in a 2-0 win over Stoke City. Chris Wilder has since made very few changes despite Hamer's return to fitness and from suspension, with the Blades winning by the same scoreline over the weekend against Blackburn Rovers.

Hamer came off the bench for 24 minutes at Ewood Park, but the 27-year-old will be desperate to return to action this week for games away to Bristol City and at Bramall Lane against Sheffield Wednesday.

Both fixtures are huge in Sheffield United's season so far, with the Robins unbeaten at Ashton Gate and the first derby since March 2019 needs no introduction.

The verdict on Gus Hamer's position at Sheffield United

FLW's Blades fan pundit, Jimmy from the Blades Ramble YouTube channel was asked for his thoughts on the situation regarding Hamer, and whether he should come back in against Sheffield Wednesday, even if they beat Bristol City this week.

Jimmy believes he should remain on the bench after wins during the last two games, and that should continue in the meantime ahead of the trip to Bristol. He said: "I'm in the minority on this, and that's just my opinion, but I wouldn't change a winning team.

"Other than Anel Ahmedhodzic coming back in, who is a clear level up from Jack Robinson.

"That's no offence to Robbo, because he's done very well coming into the team against Blackburn, but I think Ahmedhodzic and Harry Souttar have formed a superb partnership at centre-back.

"That's the only change I would make, and Gus Hamer coming on as an impact sub is an outstanding substitution to be able to make.

"I would stick with everybody but Jack Robinson for this next one, with maybe Gus coming off the bench late on."

Gus Hamer's quality is undeniable at Championship level

It's fair to say that Jimmy is likely to be in the minority in the fanbase, especially as Hamer has quickly established himself as Sheffield United’s most influential player since arriving from Coventry City, impressing in both the Premier League and the second tier.

His ability to control the tempo of a game, coupled with his knack for scoring goals, makes him stand out not only as the Blades' key man but arguably the best player in the Championship. Hamer’s intelligence in possession, along with his ability with precision passes, elevates him above his peers.

Whether it’s dictating the rhythm or chipping in with crucial goals, Hamer consistently delivers performances that put him at the top of the league’s talent pool. He's also one of the most combative and robust players in the league, which makes him an all-round star, which is why he will be desperate to play against their biggest rivals in what will undoubtedly be a real battle.

In a race for automatic promotion, playing your best players is vital. Hamer can operate as a holding midfielder, box-to-box, or as an attacking midfielder or wide player. There will always be a role for him somewhere within their line-up.