Chris Wilder is Beginning to See Encouraging Signs From Sheffield United As He Gets Ready to Clash With Former Blades Boss | OneFootball

Sheffield United make the short trip back over the Pennines on Friday night to face Preston North End at Deepdale.

Paul Heckingbottom’s Preston began the campaign in superb form but have stumbled in recent weeks, suffering back-to-back defeats that have dropped them to 11th in the Championship table. In contrast, Chris Wilder’s Blades have found some rhythm after a difficult start, securing two wins on the bounce to climb out of the relegation zone. Victory on Friday would make it three wins in a week.

United come into the game buoyed by Tuesday night’s 3-1 win at Blackburn Rovers, where a much-improved second-half performance showcased the attacking quality and fighting spirit of the Blades.

Preston could once again be without several key players, with Robbie Brady, Will Keane, Brad Potts, Jordan Thompson, and Pol Valentín all likely to miss out through injury.

For the visitors, Jamie Shackleton’s gradual return to full fitness continues, with the midfielder making a couple of substitute appearances in recent weeks. Wilder also hinted that Tom Davies could feature at Deepdale, having been close to returning for the trip to Blackburn. However, Gustavo Hamer is still not available.

Chris Wilder: Sheffield United Are Showing Signs of Improvement

Sheffield United players celebrating their goal against Blackburn Rovers in a 3-1 win at Ewood Park. (Image Credit: Sheffield United Football Club).

The Blades boss says he is beginning to see signs that some of last season’s key performers are rediscovering their best form, he said in his pre-match press conference.

“I didn’t see anybody come through that period, the first six games, who could stick their hand up and say, I’ve been alright, I’ve played quite well.

“We had to make a decision [on Harrison Burrows, and I think realising as well for the best for him. He’s a talented individual, his second season in the division, he was outstanding last season. He was pushed all the way by Sammy [McCallum] and Sammy deserved that opportunity. Sammy’s performance on Saturday was excellent and his performance on Tuesday night was really good. We just felt that we needed a bit more energy down that side but certainly the decisions that we have to make, we could have made a lot more.

“For those players – the Coopers and the Burrows – and the other players, some have to come out of the team, and some have to regain their form and confidence and belief in the team, but I am seeing signs.”

Burrows was involved in two of United’s three goals at Ewood Park, delivering the kind of energy and quality that made him one of the Championship’s standout young full-backs last season. Wilder also praised the recent contributions of Tyrese Campbell, Callum O’Hare, and Sydie Peck, noting that several players are now edging back towards their peak performance levels.

“Campbell, O’Hare, Burrows and Sydie Peck. Good signs from those players who were with us last year that they’re getting close to the form that they showed for the majority, if not all, of the season last season. Delighted for Harrison and that’s the standard that he should be playing at.”

Middle of the Park is Beginning to Show its Quality

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 18: Jairo Riedewald of Sheffield United comes on as a substitute for teammate Djibril Soumare of Sheffield United during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United and Watford at Bramall Lane on October 18, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Kate McShane/Getty Images)

Wilder also highlighted the growing competition and improved performances in the middle of the park, with several key players returning to fitness and form.

“I was delighted with Soumare over the last couple of games and with Riedewald’s contributions,” Wilder said. “Oli’s [Arblaster] back training so he’ll possibly be available for the Sheffield Wednesday game; he’s just going through the rigmarole of a mini pre-season. That department is looking a lot healthier and more competitive, and with Tom [Davies] back, we’ve all seen glimpses of Tom in a United shirt.”

Wilder Praises Former Blades Boss Paul Heckingbottom

PRESTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Paul Heckingbottom, Manager of Preston North End F.C., looks on prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End and Birmingham City at Deepdale Stadium on October 21, 2025 in Preston, England. (Photo by Kate McShane/Getty Images)

Friday’s fixture carries an added layer of familiarity for both managers. Wilder brought Paul Heckingbottom to Sheffield United in his first spell to initially be the development team manager, and he was quick to pay tribute to the Preston boss.

“I know Paul well and have a lot of admiration and respect for him,” said Wilder. “People understand it was me who brought him into the football club because he’s a good character. He knows the culture and values of Sheffield United, and I’m sure he’s trying to implement that same culture at Preston.”

Wilder acknowledged that Preston will be eager to respond after two straight defeats, while United will look to continue their resurgence.

“There’s been down days for Paul as much as the up days, but they’ve started the season on the front foot and got themselves into a good position. As the competition is, you can win games but you can lose. They’ve lost their last two, and they’ll not want to lose three on the spin, and we’ll want to win three on the spin. I always look at Preston North End’s squad and it’s always full of good loans and really experienced Championship players so it’s always a tough test home and away.”