“We’ll Deal With It And Move Forward” – Wilder Reveals Thoughts As Blades Could Be Set For Huge Blow Ahead of Next Season | OneFootball

Sheffield United welcome Blackburn Rovers to Bramall Lane on Wednesday evening in the Sky Bet Championship.

The Blades arrive in good spirits following a solid 2-0 victory away at Watford, a result that not only delivered their first clean sheet since February but also secured back-to-back wins for the first time in the same period. The performance at Vicarage Road was highlighted by a clinical brace from Patrick Bamford, whose recent form has proven crucial. The striker has now moved onto 11 goals in just 19 starts, making him Sheffield United’s outright top scorer in the Championship this season.

That upturn in results has lifted Chris Wilder’s side to 12th in the table, and with three games remaining, there is a growing sense that a strong finish could yet see them break into the top half. Momentum, something that has been elusive at times this campaign, now appears to be building at exactly the right moment heading into a summer rebuild.

In contrast, Blackburn Rovers travel to South Yorkshire with mounting concerns. The visitors have not tasted victory since the beginning of April, when they edged Birmingham City 1-0, and their slide in form has dragged them into an increasingly tense relegation battle. Rovers sit just five points above the drop zone and have played a game more than Oxford United, leaving little margin for error in the run-in.

Chris Wilder Provides Fitness Update

Team news for Sheffield United is relatively unchanged. Wilder confirmed there are no fresh injury concerns ahead of the midweek clash. Kalvin Phillips continues his push to return to the first team, while Tyrese Campbell, Sam McCallum, and Michael Cooper remain sidelined for the remainder of the season.

There was also an update on Femi Seriki, who impressed despite battling illness during the win over Watford. Wilder praised the young defender’s resilience and suggested he is expected to be involved against Blackburn.

“He wasn’t feeling very well, but he ploughed through it,” Wilder said in his pre-match press conference. “For these young boys, it’s a little bit of tough love; you’ve got to get on with it. You’re not always going to be 100 per cent. It’s about developing that mental strength and resilience. He came through it, and we’ll assess a couple of players who have been unwell, but hopefully Femi will be involved in one way or another.”

Wilder Shares Insight Into Planning At Sheffield United

Wilder also provided insight into his approach as the campaign nears its conclusion, balancing immediate priorities with long-term planning.

“It’s about concentrating on the next game first and foremost,” he explained. “There’s a lot going on in the background; pre-season planning, end-of-season meetings, decisions on retained lists, and discussions with players about next season. But we know what’s in front of us: three big games, two at home, and it’s important we finish strong. I’d love to climb into the top 10.”

Off the pitch, speculation continues regarding potential summer departures, particularly surrounding key players such as Gustavo Hamer and Sydie Peck. Wilder acknowledged the financial realities facing Championship clubs.

“If we have to sell a player or two, then we will, but we won’t give them away,” he said. “We can’t develop players and let them go for nothing. It’s about doing what’s right for the football club in the short, medium, and long term. We’re hopeful we can keep the majority, but if the price is right, we’ll deal with it and move forward.”

This Wednesday evening will mark the penultimate home game for the Blades before welcoming another Lancashire side, Preston North End, to Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon.