Sheffield United are set to face rivals Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday in what is a huge Steel City derby for both clubs.
With Danny Rohl’s side currently five points away from the play-offs, the Owls know that defeat could realistically end their chances of a shot at promotion to the Premier League.
Meanwhile, with Burnley playing on Saturday, the Blades may start the day outside the automatic promotion places.
When you add in the nature of the rivalry, and the fallout from the previous meeting earlier in the season, it’s certain to be a spicy encounter at Hillsborough.
Sheffield United lose momentum ahead of Steel City derby
It can be easy to get carried away with the emotion of the game, but Chris Wilder must look at things coldly.
The only priority for the Blades is promotion, and if they lose on Sunday, but win their remaining eight games to reach the Premier League, the reality is that it’s job done.
Ultimately, it’s all about going up, and beating Sheffield Wednesday is worth three points, just like any other Championship fixture.
With that in mind, it was surprising to see Wilder make changes for the game against Bristol City in the week, which Sheffield United drew 1-1.
Anel Ahmedhodzic, Vini Souza and Gustavo Hamer were either not involved or on the bench, and it should be said that Wilder told reporters at Tuesday’s press conference that they were all absent for fitness reasons.
