Wilder Believes Sheffield United Are Facing “Arguably the Best in the Division” Against the Foxes | OneFootball

Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United welcome Leicester City to Bramall Lane on New Year’s Day as both sides look to kick-start 2026 with a statement.

The Blades endured a mixed festive period that summed up their season so far. A disappointing 2-0 defeat away at West Bromwich Albion was followed by an emphatic response, as United swept aside Birmingham City 3-0 in front of their own supporters. However, defensive frailties were exposed in a dramatic 5-3 loss at Wrexham on Boxing Day, before Wilder’s side rounded off 2025 on a high with an impressive away victory at Stoke City.

United remain nine points adrift of the top six and know consistency is crucial if they are to mount a serious push in the second half of the campaign.

Leicester City arrive at the Lane having also struggled for rhythm over the Christmas schedule. The Foxes began with a convincing 3-1 win over Ipswich Town, only to suffer back-to-back defeats against QPR and Watford. They steadied themselves last time out with a home victory over Derby County, a result that leaves them just four points off the play-off places and very much in the promotion conversation.

United’s preparations have been hampered by injuries, particularly in midfield. Sydie Peck remains sidelined, Tom Davies is touch and go, leaving Wilder’s options stretched in the centre of the park, while Ben Mee could again miss out on the bench due to the short turnaround between fixtures.

Leicester also have selection concerns. Hamza Choudhury and Aaron Ramsey are doubts after picking up injuries in their previous match, and Harry Souttar continues his recovery from the Achilles injury he sustained around this time last year during his impressive loan spell with the Blades. Further forward, the Foxes side are light on attacking options, with versatile striker Patson Daka away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Chris Wilder Previews Leicester City Clash

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder celebrating their 3-2 victory away at Leicester City. (Image Credit: Sheffield United Football Club).

Despite Leicester’s recent inconsistency, Wilder is under no illusions about the quality of the opposition. The United boss believes the Foxes possess arguably the strongest squad in the division and is relishing the challenge.

“They’re arguably the best group of players in the division,” Wilder said in his pre-match press conference. “What happens if they’re slightly off? I’m not being disrespectful, but a team who are expected to be in the top two from the off and they’re not, I think it just shows you how tough it is in the Championship.

“Certainly from a talent point of view, when you see their squad down on paper, that’s arguably the best in the division up alongside Ipswich. They’ve been in the Premier League for a number of years but face the challenges of what teams do when they come down.

“It’s a really difficult league to win games in and to build in. We’re at that early stage from our point of view as well, trying to win games. We’ve won six out of nine now.”

Wilder Heaps Praise on “Outstanding” Sheffield United Board as Transfer Window Opens

As United prepare for their first home fixture of 2026, Wilder also took time to thank the club’s hierarchy for their backing as he looks ahead to the second half of the season.

“As I said, the board have been outstanding for me personally,” he explained. “I thank them for giving me the opportunity and trusting me, also the supporters trust in myself and the coaching team to get it right, on and off the pitch, and let’s get on with it.

“When you look at the new owners coming in, they’ve put their hand in the pocket in the summer. They did for me last January. They’ve done it in terms of ground redevelopment and in and around it. So, yes, I know there’s been a bit of flak flying around recently and maybe at the start of September, but we’re in the here and now, and let’s look forward to an exciting and positive second part of the season in 2026.”