“We’re The Only Ones…” – Wilder Sets Challenge Ahead of Sheffield United vs Ipswich | OneFootball

Sheffield United will look to halt a worrying slide in form when they welcome in-form Ipswich Town to Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon in what promises to be a stern Championship test.

The Blades arrive at the weekend having lost momentum after back-to-back 1-0 defeats away at Charlton Athletic and Southampton. While the scorelines were narrow and the performances full of effort, the lack of points has seen Chris Wilder’s side glance nervously over their shoulders once again, with the relegation zone now a more immediate concern than a push towards the top six.

Ipswich, by contrast, travel to South Yorkshire in buoyant mood. Kieran McKenna’s Tractor Boys are unbeaten in their last six league outings and currently sit third in the Championship table, just two points shy of the automatic promotion places. A 2-0 home victory over Bristol City last time out underlined their growing authority, while a fourth clean sheet in five matches highlighted the defensive resilience that has powered their surge.

United’s task is made all the more difficult by a mounting injury and suspension list. Japhet Tanganga remains sidelined with two games left to serve on his suspension, while centre-back partner Tyler Bindon is a doubt after missing training through illness. In midfield, Jairo Riedewald is nursing a minor hamstring issue and Djibril Soumare is unavailable following his red card at Charlton, leaving Oliver Arblaster, Sydie Peck, Tom Davies and Alex Matos as Wilder’s remaining central options.

Ipswich are not without their own selection problems, however, and will be missing several key figures. Jaden Philogene, Marcelino Nunez and Chuba Akpom are all set to miss the trip north, slightly blunting the attacking threat of one of the division’s most potent sides.

Chris Wilder Lays Marker Down Ahead of Ipswich Visit

Despite the contrasting form lines, Wilder was adamant his side are capable of matching anyone in the league.

Speaking ahead of the game in his pre-match press conference, the United boss acknowledged the external negativity following recent defeats but insisted his players do not feel they are performing like a team in trouble.

“We’re off the back of a two-game losing streak and the negativity will be there, which I get because that’s what happens,” Wilder said. “We’re the only ones that can affect it, but we don’t feel that we’re playing like a team that’s in the position that we are.

“We feel that we can pose any team problems. Huge amount of respect for Kieran. What he’s done is an incredible achievement. They’ve got some good players and they’re picking up speed. I’m just a bit jealous that we’re not in and amongst them. We have to deal with that situation.”

Wilder also expects a fiercely competitive but respectful encounter under the Bramall Lane lights. “They’ll come to win; we’ll go to win. Full house or pretty much close. Great atmosphere,” he added. “Our supporters always turn up on days like this. If we produce the energy and belief we showed in the second half at Southampton, this game could go either way.”

Wilder Insists Sheffield United Players Must Fight to Get Into the Team

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 21: Caspar Jander of Southampton is challenged by Gustavo Hamer of Sheffield United during the Sky Bet Championship match between Southampton and Sheffield United at St Mary’s Stadium on January 21, 2026 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

On the internal competition within his squad, Wilder was clear that reputations count for little. Discussing Gustavo Hamer’s battle to regain his place, he said: “Nobody is going to get into the team without fighting for the shirt. Nobody is just going to be automatically given a shirt because of past reputation, especially when Cal has played as well as he has.”

He was equally complimentary about Chiedozie Ogbene’s attitude during his loan spell. “He’s putting up a fight to get back into the team. I like his personality and his attitude. He wants to play for Sheffield United and even wants to play for the U21s next week, which speaks volumes.”

Saturday afternoon is the wrong opponent at the wrong time as far as Sheffield United are concerned. They face one of the best sides in the league with the spine of their squad stretched to the maximum. However, we all know anything can happen in the Championship.