Before the start of the season, Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder would have expected his team to still be fighting hard to retain their Premier League status with nine games remaining.
However, any concerns regarding an immediate return to the Championship are long gone, with the Blades being a constant presence in the top half of the standings.
While Wilder will no doubt want to make additions to his squad at the next opportunity, he will also place high priority on keeping as many of his current stars as possible.
With that in mind, Sports Mole predicts how United could line up at the beginning of the next campaign.
As it stands, the future of Manchester United loanee Dean Henderson is up in the air, with his parent club potentially wanting to keep hold of the England Under-21 international next season.
However, with Henderson having already stated that he would be happy to continue representing Sheffield, expect every effort to be made to secure his services for another year.
Despite the likes of Jack O'Connell and John Egan being linked with a move to a bigger club, Wilder may call on the pair to remain in Yorkshire, especially if European football can be achieved.
The chances are that Wilder's tried-and-trusted three centre-backs and two wing-backs may remain the same, although that may not be the case with the midfield.
After his January move to Bramall Lane, Sander Berge is expected to become a key man in the centre of the pitch, likely alongside playmaker John Fleck.
While Wilder has suggested that John Lundstram will extend his stay at the club, Olympiacos midfielder Mady Camara has already been identified as a potential replacement.
Billy Sharp has established himself as first-choice in attack since the start of 2020, but we expect Lys Mousset and Oliver McBurnie to get the nod over the veteran at the start of next season, whenever that may be.
Darren Plant
