How did they get here?
After losing out in the play-offs in 2022 and being consigned to a second season in the Championship, Sheffield United made their return to the top-flight this season – and without the agony of a Wembley showdown.
Meet our opening opponents: Sheffield United
Crystal Palace will kick-off their 23/24 Premier League campaign away at Sheffield United on Saturday, 12th August – but how much do you know about the Blades?
After a fantastic start which saw them top the division long into October, a dip in form saw the Blades fall out of the automatic promotion places. They responded well, however, and after returning to second place in November they remained in the top-two until the final day, finishing 11 points clear of Luton Town in third.
The boss
A fierce defender in his playing days, where he made more than 400 appearances – including for city rivals Sheffield Wednesday – Paul Heckingbottom took over at Bramall Lane in 2021, having led the Under-23s side a season prior.
He won back-to-back Manager of the Month awards in August and September of this season, adding a third in April as Sheffield United confirmed their promotion back to the Premier League.
Next season will be his first in the top-flight as a manager.
Ones to watch
Senegalese forward Iliman Ndiaye was the hero up-front, scoring 14 Championship goals last season, while club stalwart Oli McBurnie added 13 more despite making just 25 starts.
In midfield, the dynamic Sander Berge has been a dominating presence, combining his technical ability with his immense stature, standing at six feet and five inches tall. Alongside Oliver Norwood, the Blades have developed a reliable unit in the middle of the park.
The ground
Bramall Lane has a historic place in the English football landscape. Opened in 1855, it is one of only two grounds – the Oval being the other – which has hosted England internationals in both cricket and football, as well as an FA Cup final.
Holding more than 30,000 fans, the atmosphere contributed significantly to promotion this season: no Championship side won more games at home than Sheffield United – a challenging assignment for Palace's opening day, indeed.
Did you know?
Nicknamed ‘The Blades’ due to Sheffield’s industrial history – their manufacturing of steel alongside their production of cutlery – the club was formed from Sheffield United Cricket Club in 1889, and were initially nicknamed ‘The Cutlers’.
Sheffield Wednesday were initially ‘The Blades’, before switching to ‘The Owls’ after moving to a new ground in Owlerton, leaving the nickname free for their cross-city rivals.
Record against Palace
Perhaps the most famous meeting between the two came at Wembley in the 1997 Play-Off final, as David Hopkin curled into the top corner to send Palace back into the Premier League.
Sheffield United’s last season in the top-flight provided two memorable moments, both from Ebere Eze. At Selhurst Park, he picked up the ball inside his own half and rounded four defenders before slotting home. At Bramall Lane months later, he did just the same.