Sheffield United Must Pick Up Points in Next Five Games
Sheffield United return to Championship action this weekend knowing there is little room for error if they are to climb away from the wrong end of the table.
The Blades currently sit 18th with nine points from their opening eight league matches, leaving them just four points above the relegation zone. While the campaign remains in its early stages, the recent run of results has increased the pressure on Chris Wilder and his players to respond after the international break.
United headed into the three-week pause having suffered three consecutive defeats in all competitions, losing to Wolverhampton Wanderers, Fleetwood Town and Stoke City. The Stoke defeat was particularly frustrating, with the Blades having taken the lead through a superb free-kick from Kalvin Phillips before eventually losing 2-1.
However, the extended break has provided Wilder with valuable time to work with his squad and, crucially, allow several players to recover from injury.
The next five fixtures could therefore be an opportunity for United to change the narrative.
Sheffield United’s Next Five Games
Sheffield United vs Lincoln City
Portsmouth vs Sheffield United
Bristol City vs Sheffield United
Sheffield United vs Derby County
Sheffield United vs Wrexham
Sheffield United vs Lincoln City
United’s first challenge comes at Bramall Lane against newly promoted Lincoln City. This is arguably the fixture that Wilder’s side will look at and feel they simply have to win.
Lincoln have made their return to the Championship after a lengthy absence and will provide a stern test, but home advantage could give United the edge. The Blades need to show that Bramall Lane is still a fortress, like it was previously, when they were capable of producing their best football in front of the Kop, and this is exactly the type of fixture where they could rediscover that consistency.
Portsmouth vs Sheffield United
Just a few days later, United travel to Fratton Park to face Portsmouth. That is a completely different proposition.
Away matches in the Championship are rarely straightforward and Portsmouth will be determined to make home advantage count. United will also have to manage their squad carefully given the short turnaround from the Lincoln game. A point would not necessarily be a bad result, particularly if the Blades can follow it up with positive results in their other fixtures.
Bristol City vs Sheffield United
The following Saturday brings another away trip, this time to Ashton Gate to face Bristol City. This looks like the most difficult fixture of the five on paper.
Bristol City are capable of competing towards the upper end of the Championship and will expect to make home advantage count. United will need to be much more consistent defensively than they were before the international break if they are to come away with anything.
Wilder’s side could certainly cause problems, but this feels like a game where avoiding defeat would be an excellent result.
Sheffield United vs Derby County
United then return to Bramall Lane for what could be a very important fixture against Derby County. This is another game that should be targeted for maximum points.
Derby are likely to arrive knowing that United’s home form can be exploited, but Wilder will expect his players to impose themselves. The return of key players from injury could also make a significant difference by this stage of the month. If United are serious about climbing the table, these are the matches they need to win.
Sheffield United vs Wrexham
The fifth and final game of this particular run sees United host Wrexham at Bramall Lane on what is bound to be a cold and wet evening.
Wrexham have plenty of ambition and have invested heavily since climbing the divisions, meaning this will not be an easy evening for the Blades. However, with home advantage and what should be a strong atmosphere under the lights, United will be looking to prove a point against a couple of their former players Kieffer Moore and Callum O’Hare.
Sheffield United Need to Pick Up Points Quickly
If the Blades are to pick up a couple of wins and a couple of draws from this period, then that would take the Blades from nine points to 17 points, potentially moving them several places up the table depending on results elsewhere.
It would also be a significant improvement on the form that saw United lose their final three games before the international break.
Equally, another poor run would leave the Blades looking nervously over their shoulders. The next five games therefore feel particularly important in the grand scheme of the campaign.
United do not necessarily need to win every fixture, but they need to start building momentum and actually find a sense of direction because right now it seems like they’re in a grey area.
The squad has had time to recover, several players should be closer to full fitness, and Wilder will be hoping the break has allowed his team to reset after a difficult spell.
