Wilder Makes “Opportunity to Impress” Claim As Sheffield United Manager Shows Respect to Millwall And Ex Owl | OneFootball

Sheffield United face a stern test on Saturday afternoon as they make the trip to SE16 to take on a Millwall side flying high in the Championship.

The Lions currently sit fifth in the table and have lost just once in their last seven league outings. Confidence will be brimming at The Den after Alex Neil’s side swept aside Charlton Athletic 4-0 last time out.

The Blades, meanwhile, come into the fixture with renewed belief of their own. Chris Wilder’s men halted a damaging losing run with an impressive 3-1 victory over Ipswich Town at Bramall Lane, despite being reduced to ten men. That win leaves United six points clear of the relegation zone, though still nine adrift of the play-offs, meaning consistency remains the key between now and the end of the campaign.

Millwall will have a new face available this weekend following the surprise capture of Barry Bannan from Sheffield Wednesday earlier in the week. The experienced midfielder arrives with a wealth of Championship know-how, though the hosts are still without Massimo Luongo for the remainder of the season after he suffered a cruciate ligament injury. There are also doubts over the availability of Will Smallbone, Lukas Jensen and veteran left-back Joe Bryan.

United’s selection issues are no less significant. Japhet Tanganga and Djibril Soumaré both serve the final game of their three-match suspensions, while Patrick Bamford is also sidelined after seeing red last weekend. Jairo Riedewald (hamstring) and Tyler Bindon (illness) will continue to be assessed ahead of the journey south.

Chris Wilder Shows Respect to Millwall

Speaking ahead of the contest, Chris Wilder was full of respect for the opposition and the challenge that awaits his side.

“I like them,” Wilder said in his pre-match press conference. “They’re a really honest bunch of players. I like the manager, I’ve known him for a long time and he’s had a successful career. They’re fifth for a reason. What does a team of honest players do for you? They fight, they run, they play effective football and they win games.

“It’s a great challenge and one I’m really looking forward to. I really like going there. It’s a proper football ground, it’ll be a full house and it’s a great experience for our younger players; Femi, Blaster, Sydie, Brooksy. You get asked a question there, and I’m all over that.”

Sheffield United Have Several Players Missing For Millwall Trip

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 17: Japhet Tanganga of Sheffield United interacts with Referee Oliver Langford after teammate El Hadji Djibril Soumare (not pictured) is shown a red following a challenge on Harvey Knibbs of Charlton Athletic (not pictured) during the Sky Bet Championship match between Charlton Athletic and Sheffield United at The Valley on January 17, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images)

With several first-team regulars unavailable, Wilder has also challenged those coming into the side to seize their moment.

“I’ve always said every opportunity is an opportunity to impress,” he added. “I thought Gus [Hamer] was outstanding on Saturday. He got back into the team and showed everybody what he’s about. Some have taken their chance, some haven’t, so there’s the challenge to go and put pressure on.”

Bamford’s suspension is a particular blow after his performance against Ipswich, but Wilder sees it as another test of his squad’s resilience.

“Pat’s been outstanding. He was outstanding on Saturday. We’re going to miss him, but that’s football. Whether it’s injury, suspension or loss of form, it opens the door for others to put their hand up.”

Wilder also admitted surprise at the prospect of coming up against former Wednesday captain Barry Bannan so soon.

“I am, yeah,” he said. “People get drawn into the rivalry, but as a football guy you have to appreciate what Barry’s done. He’s had a fantastic career, he still wants to achieve something, and clubs don’t give players new deals if they don’t think they can add to the group.”

The game on Saturday afternoon will tell an awful lot about both sides at The Den. Do Millwall have enough minerals this season to maintain their hunt for a top six spot? Will Sheffield United start showing signs of consistency; something they’ve lacked over the past few weeks.