Mansfield Town welcome Sheffield United to the One Call Stadium on Sunday as both sides begin their competitive campaigns in the first round of the EFL Cup.

The Stags produced one of last season’s notable cup upsets by beating the Blades 4-3 at Bramall Lane in the FA Cup, giving Sunday’s hosts every reason to believe they can trouble their Championship opponents again. Sheffield United, meanwhile, will be looking for revenge and a positive start after a disappointing 2025-26 campaign.

With local pride, cup progression and early-season momentum all on the line, this promises to be an entertaining opening fixture.

Mansfield are hoping to continue their cup tradition

Cup football brought plenty of memorable moments to Mansfield supporters last season. The Stags eliminated both Sheffield United and Premier League side Burnley during an impressive FA Cup run, while also progressing past Chesterfield in this competition before eventually falling to Everton. Those performances reinforced the belief that Clough’s side are capable of competing with opponents from higher divisions.

Their League One campaign also provided encouragement. A tenth-place finish represented another solid season following promotion, with Mansfield ending the campaign strongly before entering a summer that brought significant squad changes. Experienced striker David McGoldrick has returned to the club, while Jon Russell has completed a permanent move after impressing on loan.

There are, however, notable departures. Top scorer Will Evans has moved on after two productive seasons, meaning others will need to shoulder more of the goalscoring responsibility.

Playing at the One Call Stadium should still give Mansfield confidence. They have already shown they can trouble Sheffield United, and another disciplined display could make life uncomfortable for the visitors.

Sheffield United want a stronger start

Last season failed to meet expectations at Bramall Lane. Chris Wilder steadied the ship after returning during the campaign, but Sheffield United still finished well below the promotion places and suffered disappointing exits in both domestic cup competitions.

The priority this season is improvement. Pre-season has offered reasons for optimism, with the Blades remaining unbeaten throughout the summer while gradually developing Wilder’s preferred style. Draws against strong opposition and victories over several domestic rivals suggest the squad is moving in the right direction, even if supporters continue to wait for further activity in the transfer market.

There is also unfinished business against Mansfield. January’s dramatic FA Cup defeat remains fresh in the memory, and the Blades will see Sunday’s meeting as an opportunity to respond while building confidence ahead of their Championship opener next week.

The squad has sufficient depth despite uncertainty surrounding Gustavo Hamer’s future. Tom Cannon, Tyrese Campbell, Patrick Bamford and Callum O’Hare provide plenty of attacking options, while new arrivals Matt Doherty and Romelle Donovan strengthen an already experienced group.

Verdict

Mansfield have earned a reputation for upsetting higher-ranked opponents, particularly in cup competitions, and their recent success against Sheffield United ensures the visitors will not underestimate them.

Even so, the overall quality within Wilder’s squad should eventually prove decisive. Sheffield United appear better equipped across the pitch, and with revenge providing additional motivation, they look capable of avoiding another early cup disappointment.

Tip

Sheffield United to win.