Sheffield United had a lot to be envious of when it came to Leeds United last season, as they eventually dropped out of the promotion fight at the worst possible time, losing first place to the Whites and then failing in the play-offs.

Sheffield United were the top team in Yorkshire for a year in 2019, and they were also the only team from the country in the Premier League in 2023/24.

That has changed, and last season’s Premier League champions are hoping to defy the expectations of a freshly promoted side in recent years and remain up at the first time of asking.

Meanwhile, the Blades began their second consecutive Championship campaign hesitantly, but are now finding their feet again and hope for a push to the play-offs in the second half of the season.

Ironically, Patrick Bamford, a former Leeds player, is currently leading Sheffield United’s attack. His past at Elland Road is well-known, but what is less well-known is that Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the Whites’ outstanding player this season, is a graduate of the Blades academy.

With Calvert-Lewin up front and former Sheffield United right-back Jayden Bogle at the back, the Whites are aiming to stay in the Premier League.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jayden Bogle’s career with Sheffield United previous to their Leeds United switch

Those within Bramall Lane have always been frustrated by Calvert-Lewin’s 10-goal seasons in the Premier League and England caps while at Everton. That moment, however, seems to have come to an end.

In his last four Premier League seasons, the 28-year-old has scored only 17 goals. However, Leeds’ forward has seven goals in 15 games this season, and speculations of an England return are circulating just in time for the World Cup in the summer.

Then, in the back, Bogle has grown defensively since his time at Bramall Lane, and his already impressive attacking ventures are even better. The 25-year-old is always a threat moving forward, and Daniel Farke’s transition to a five-back formation has allowed him to concentrate more on that aspect of his game.

Fans will always want to see their old players succeed, but there will be some animosity if they outperform their current team.

That’s true for Sheffield United now, but the sour taste is exacerbated by the fact that this Leeds team could have been them if they hadn’t collapsed at the conclusion of last season. Add in the fact that they are Yorkshire rivals, and the emotion must be excruciating.

The goal at Bramall Lane is to guarantee that their stay in the Championship does not endure any longer than necessary. But there will be some eyes in West Yorkshire who wish their former stars weren’t performing so well for their rivals.