Wilder Demands More Consistency From the Blades: “Consistency is Key in Everything” | OneFootball

Sheffield United round off their 2025 campaign with a Monday night trip to the Bet365 Stadium, where they will face Stoke City in the final game of the calendar year for both sides.

Stoke’s season began in impressive fashion, with the Potters quickly establishing themselves as early contenders. However, that momentum has slowed in recent weeks. They have managed just one win in their last six Championship outings, with inconsistency creeping into their performances. Their most recent result summed up that frustrating run: a goalless draw at home to Preston North End on Boxing Day, a game in which chances were limited and cutting edge was lacking.

Sheffield United, meanwhile, continue to be one of the Championship’s most unpredictable and entertaining sides. Goals have certainly not been in short supply where the Blades are concerned. They have shown an ability to overwhelm opponents going forward, but defensive fragility has often undermined that attacking threat. That was starkly illustrated on Boxing Day, when United were beaten 5-3 away at Wrexham in a breathless encounter.

Just days earlier, Chris Wilder’s side had looked assured and clinical as they swept past Birmingham City 3-0, albeit against ten men. That contrast shows United’s current situation. Over the last few weeks it has felt like a case of one step forward followed by one step back, making them difficult to judge heading into this fixture.

Stoke City vs Sheffield United Injury Latest

Stoke have their own issues to contend with ahead of Monday night. The Potters face a selection headache at left-back, with both Eric Bocat and Aaron Cresswell sidelined through injury. Junior Tchamadeu will also be unavailable, having departed to represent Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations, while midfielder Lewis Baker has been absent for several weeks.

For Sheffield United, the injury picture offers little encouragement. Chris Wilder has confirmed that none of the current crop of injured players will return in time for the trip to Staffordshire, meaning the Blades will again have to cope with a stretched squad during a demanding festive schedule.

Chris Wilder Assesses Sheffield United’s Recent Lack of Consistency

WREXHAM, WALES – DECEMBER 26: Patrick Bamford of Sheffield United (2nd R) celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Sky Bet Championship match between Wrexham AFC and Sheffield United at Racecourse Ground on December 26, 2025 in Wrexham, Wales. (Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images)

Speaking after the defeat at Wrexham, Wilder gave his assessment of where his team currently stands. The United manager highlighted consistency as the key issue, acknowledging the contrasts between recent performances.

“We’re that up-and-down team at this particular moment,” Wilder said in his pre-match press conference. “As I said, West Brom down, up against Birmingham, up against Stoke. [At Wrexham] we’ve come away getting done 5-3. Consistency is the key in everything.

“The approach has been pretty good. The attitude has been pretty good. The game isn’t all about the approach and the attitude. It’s key, but it’s about the ability to deal with threats and defend properly; whether it’s a team, whether it’s a unit or whether it’s individually. We’ve got to go again. We’ve got to get a team out there for whatever night it is in three days’ time and see if we can get a result.”

Stoke will be looking to stop their poor form as well as getting revenge after being hammered 4-0 by the Blades a couple of weeks ago. Meanwhile, Sheffield United will hope for a much more solid defensive rearguard on Monday night compared to their showing on Boxing Day.