BLADES BOSS RECOGNISES BIG CHALLENGE POSED BY CITY

SLAVISA Jokanovic says Stoke City can be a “real danger” to Sheffield United with physicality and team work - as he plots to try to get one over them this weekend.

Jokanovic was appointed Sheffield United manager in the summer following relegation from the Premier League, hoping to repeat his tricks from Watford and Fulham and win promotion to the top division from the Championship.

A slow start - one point from the four games was followed by taking 14 points from the next five before losing away to Middlesbrough and Bournemouth heading into the recent international break.

He has been keeping track of Stoke’s progress too, saying at his press conference on Thursday morning: “Stoke have started very well. “We have checked a lot of their last games. They are physical and a really strong team.

“They are one of the biggest winners in all the challenges and their work on the physical side is impressive. “They combine well and score goals. They can be a real danger for us and have started better than us. “It’s a good chance for us to take one step forward.” Stoke were buoyed by the final match before the break, a 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion.

But Jokanovic said: “We are full of confidence too after our last performance at Bournemouth.

“This is a great challenge for them too to play against Sheffield United. We are relegated from the Premier League and I am sure they will be focused because if they are still enjoying their last result then that’s good news for me.

“But I doubt they will be they have a really good coach with a lot of experience. They will be focussed on us and ready for us and will put everything out on the pitch to try to get something positive for themselves.” The Blades will be without George Baldock tomorrow, which could mean a first league start of the season for Jayden Bogle. Sander Berge is also out out midfield contention, while Luke Freeman remains a doubt.