The trip to South Yorkshire will give Ross the chance to hand opportunities to some of his fringe players, while some of the club’s under-23 contingent are also expected to be involved at Bramall Lane. It also looks likely that new signings Joel Lynch and Laurens De Bock will be involved in some capacity. But which other players could find themselves in the travelling party? Scroll down and click through the pages to find out:
5. JACK BAINBRIDGE
Those injuries also open the door for Bainbridge to form part of the first-team squad, with the former Everton youngster likely to travel as part of the Sunderland cohort. Photo: FRANK REID
6. LAURENS DE BOCK
In a similar position to Lynch, De Bock has built-up his match fitness since joining the club and now looks to be in line for a start - especially after Denver Hume’s difficult afternoon at Bolton. Photo: Frank Reid
7. MAX POWER
George Dobson and Grant Leadbitter were the midfield pairing on Saturday, with Power having been benched in recent weeks. He’s likely to be given an opportunity against the Blades, though. Photo: Frank Reid
8. RUBEN SAMMUT
Having impressed Ross throughout the summer, it would be no surprise to see the former Chelsea youngster handed a place in the squad for this clash - having featured on the bench at Burnley. Photo: FRANK REID