Wilder Makes “Unbelievable” Comment Ahead of Bristol City Clash As He Hints At Changes | OneFootball

Bristol City host Sheffield United at Ashton Gate on Monday afternoon in the Sky Bet Championship, with both sides looking to find consistency as the season nears its conclusion.

The Robins come into the fixture hoping to build on what has been a steady, if slightly underwhelming, campaign. Earlier in the season, they appeared well placed to mount a serious push for the play-offs, but a run of just one win since February has left them 10 points adrift of the top six. Despite that drop-off, they remain a competitive outfit and will see this home clash as an opportunity to keep their slim hopes alive.

For the Blades, frustration has been a defining theme throughout the campaign. Their recent 3-3 draw against Swansea City highlighted both their attacking quality and their inability to see games out. Having now dropped 30 points from winning positions, it is a statistic that continues to weigh heavily on Chris Wilder and his squad.

Bristol City’s task has not been helped by a growing injury list, particularly in defence. George Tanner, Rob Atkinson, Rob Dickie and Luke McNally all remain sidelined and could miss the rest of the season. Midfielder Josh Williams is also unavailable, while Ross McRorie is the latest concern following the Good Friday win over Charlton Athletic.

United also have their own issues to contend with. Tyrese Campbell has been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign, while Joe Rothwell continues to build fitness after returning to action. Kalvin Phillips is another working his way back as Wilder looks to manage his squad carefully in the closing weeks.

Sheffield United Boss Hints At Changing Lineup Against Bristol City

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“Performance levels weren’t horrific leading up to 75 minutes but the game doesn’t last for 75 minutes. I’m looking at my bench and going ‘who really deserves to be on the pitch?’ I’m not sure any of them at the moment do.

If I play Ki-Jana [Hoever], I think Femi [Seriki] is the best person for us and Femi will be here next season so I want Femi minutes. Nobody is challenging Harrison [Burrows]. I possibly think [Tanganga and Bindon] are still our best two centre-halves but you have to deal with moments.

Sydie’s back from England and I thought he was decent. We changed Jairo [Riedewald] for Joe [Rothwell] which I thought was the right thing to do. Gus [Hamer] scores and does what he does and we all see a drop off but I don’t want to take my best player off, and we’ve got Pat [Bamford] and Tom [Cannon] at the top of the pitch.”

Wilder also reiterated the importance of finishing the season strongly, with one eye already on building momentum for next year:

“We need to get a result; we need a big finish towards the end of the season to put into some momentum into next year.”

Chris Wilder Shows Admiration For Roy Hodgson

The Sheffield United boss also acknowledged the added challenge posed by Roy Hodgson’s recent return to management at Bristol City, praising his opposite number’s longevity and influence:

“Obviously, the introduction of Roy as manager puts a different spin on it now, but another game that hopefully we can go and get a result, because we need to.

Unbelievable amount [of respect] for what he’s achieved at international level with various countries and domestically, he’s always a guy that you can pick the phone up to. Certainly done that a couple of times.

He’s got an unbelievable desire and enthusiasm for the game and that shows right the way through, and I think people wouldn’t be surprised that he’s gone back into Bristol City.”

Monday’s fixture also marks United’s first return to Ashton Gate since last season’s play-off semi-final first leg, adding extra edge to an already competitive fixture. Wilder reflected on those past encounters and what he expects this time around:

“It’s always been competitive. Memories of last season are still fresh in the mind, but they’ve always been pretty tight games, eventful games, but we need to show a lot more quality than what we have done recently.”

The Blades will be hoping to finally return to winning ways when they head down to Bristol City on Monday in what is all set up to be an entertaining fixture.