Sheffield United vs Middlesbrough confirmed team news as Paul ...

Sheffield United entertain Middlesbrough at Bramall Lane knowing they can take a huge stride towards Premier League football with three points.

The Blades will start the day 10 points clear of tonight's visitors and with a game in hand. Victory would see their promotion rivals' chances of catching Paul Heckingbottom's men suffer a serious blow.

However, Boro are hoping they can send out a statement of their intentions by taking away the win and narrowing the gap. It's the first of three matches for United against teams vying for promotion, with Millwall and Watford to follow this one.

READ MORE: Sheffield United vs Middlesbrough LIVE: Updates and analysis from Bramall Lane

Both sides are in fine form right now. United are 13 matches without defeat in all competitions, while Michael Carrick's side have won 10 of their last 12 Championship encounters.

Indeed, Carrick's impact is clear. Boro were fourth bottom when he was appointed at the Riverside, but they have raced up the league into third place.

Paul Heckingbottom has handed in his teamsheet and has made one change to the team that beat Swansea last time out. Oli McBurnie comes in for the injured Billy Sharp, while striker Daniel Jebbison is back on the bench after returning from a three-match ban.

This is how Sheffield United line up tonight.

Sheffield United starting XI: Foderingham; Ahmedhodzic, Egan, Robinson; Bogle, Norwood, Berge, McAtee, Lowe; Ndiaye, McBurnie.

Subs: Davies, Basham, Clark, Fleck, Osborn, Coulibaly, Jebbison

Middlesbrough starting XI: Steffen, Giles, Fry, McGree, Archer, Smith, Howson, Forss, Lenihan, Akpom, Hackney

Subs: Mowatt, Barlaser, Ramsey, McNair, Roberts, Crooks, Bola

The game gets under way at 8pm and you can follow live updates and everything that happens on our live blog from Bramall Lane right here.

EFL not satisfied with Dozy Mmobuosi's proposed Sheffield United takeover as statement made

'Game-changer' Sander Berge enjoying career-best form as exciting Sheffield United target set

How Paul Heckingbottom has kept Sheffield United's promotion bid on track amid takeover interest

Dozy Mmobuosi breaks silence on Sheffield United takeover and reveals 'world class' plans

For all the latest news, features and opinion, visit our dedicated Sheffield United page here

Story Saved

You can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.