Chris Wilder Issues Preston Warning as Sheffield United Look to Extend Good Form
Sheffield United travel to Lancashire on Tuesday evening to take on struggling Preston North End in the EFL Championship, with Chris Wilder’s side looking to build on Friday night’s victory over Wrexham.
The Blades recorded a hard-fought 1-0 win at Bramall Lane, securing another clean sheet and moving themselves to within three points of the play-off places.
After a difficult start to the campaign, United have shown signs of building some much-needed momentum, with the victory over Phil Parkinson’s side providing further encouragement that Wilder’s team are beginning to find their feet.
Their opponents, however, are enduring a miserable start to the season. Preston currently sit bottom of the Championship table with just five points from their opening 13 fixtures, having suffered their tenth league defeat of the campaign against Stoke City at the weekend.
Preston could be without former Sheffield United defender Harry Clarke and midfielder Liam Gibbs for Tuesday night’s encounter.
Meanwhile, Wilder will be hoping to have as many of his first-team options available as possible as the Blades look to maintain their recent improvement.
Kalvin Phillips will need to be carefully managed after picking up a knock during Friday’s victory over Wrexham. Patrick Bamford could also return to the matchday squad, providing United with another attacking option as they look to add to their recent goalscoring contributions.
Wilder pleased with United’s performance against Wrexham
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Wilder was pleased with the manner in which his side controlled proceedings against Wrexham, believing they had responded well to some of the frustrations from their previous outing against Derby County.
The United manager had previously been critical of his team’s slow start against the Rams, but felt Friday night’s performance represented a significant improvement.
He said: “Glad to address the slow start against Derby, which was a frustrating thing. The feel of the way we played and the football that we played [on Friday night] was really good. Sustained, controlled the game out of possession, really good in possession.
“We had that feel about it that it was a matter of time before we scored. We should have had a second.”
Wilder also acknowledged that Wrexham’s tactical adjustments after the interval required his players to adapt, but was pleased with how comfortably United eventually managed the contest.
The Blades were unable to find a second goal to put the result beyond doubt, but the manager was satisfied with the overall performance.
“It’s never ever one-way traffic. We’re building and I’m enjoying watching us. Moving forward, we have the occasional bits and pieces that we have to deal with, but we’re building and we’re moving forward.”
Clean Sheets Providing A Platform For Progress
One of the more encouraging aspects of United’s recent performances has been their improved defensive organisation.
The clean sheet against Wrexham was another positive step for a side that struggled to protect leads consistently last season, with Wilder revealing that the issue had been a major focus during the club’s review of the previous campaign.
He explained that United dropped 18 points from winning positions last season, highlighting the importance of becoming more reliable defensively. “It’s something that we reviewed off last season, 18 points we dropped from winning positions.”
He continued: “We’re a front-foot team. We don’t go into games sitting off teams and playing on the counter-attack. It’s not my way, it’s not the way I want us to play.
“But you have to make sure that individually you defend well, you don’t make any mistakes, if there’s one mistake then somebody clears that out.”
Wilder Wary of Preston Threat Despite Difficult Start
Despite Preston’s position at the foot of the Championship table, Wilder is taking nothing for granted ahead of Tuesday night’s meeting.
The United boss was quick to highlight the competitive nature of the division and Preston’s experience at this level, while also acknowledging the qualities of their manager, Graham Alexander.
Alexander enjoyed a successful spell at Bradford City last season and knows exactly what is required to compete in the Championship, both from his playing career and managerial experience.
Wilder said: “Always one of those clubs that are really competitive Championship players. They’ve been in the division for a very long time. Had their challenges as well.”
He also referenced Preston’s recent performance against West Bromwich Albion, believing they were unfortunate not to take all three points from that encounter.
Wilder added: “I know Graham as well, he’s a successful manager, last season especially with his time at Bradford. Knows the division inside out as a player and as a manager and the connection with that club is there for everybody to see, so he’ll be desperate to get a win under his belt and get moving forward.”
The Blades manager is not getting carried away with recent improvements, insisting there is still plenty of work to be done.
“We’re in good nick, I believe mentally we’re in a good place, players are enjoying the football and we’ve worked hard to build a little momentum.
“I’m not saying it’s been outstanding, I’m not saying every minute of every game has been absolutely top drawer. Not saying every result has been top as well, but we’re working as well.”
With just over a quarter of the campaign completed, Wilder knows there is still significant room for improvement. Sheffield United will look to continue to build their momentum against Preston North End on Tuesday night.
