More Birmingham City worry? Chris Wilder drops big Sheffield United team news | OneFootball

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has revealed that striker Patrick Bamford is expected to return in time for the Blades' clash with Birmingham City

Sheffield United striker Patrick Bamford was absent when the Blades lost 2-1 to Norwich City at Carrow Road in midweek, and boss Chris Wilder has revealed whether the striker is likely to feature against Birmingham City this Saturday.

The Bramall Lane club handed themselves faint play-off hopes by defeating Queens Park Rangers 2-0 at the end of February, but they began March on poor form, drawing with West Bromwich Albion and being beaten by Norwich.

Saturday's opponents, Birmingham, sit three points above the Blades in the Championship and will be determined to earn a victory on home soil, which could bolster their top-six chances.

On the other hand, Sheffield United defeated Blues 3-0 in December's reverse fixture, and are eager to get the better of Chris Davies' men once again.

Chris Wilder provides Patrick Bamford fitness update ahead of Birmingham City vs Sheffield United

Bamford has been a major asset for the Blades since moving to South Yorkshire on a free transfer in November, scoring eight goals in 19 Championship appearances.

The 32-year-old's most recent strike came when Wilder's men defeated Steel City rivals Sheffield Wednesday on 22 February, which saw the financially challenged Owls relegated to League One.

Meanwhile, as reported by BBC Radio Sheffield's Andy Giddings via X, Wilder has said that Bamford has trained and is expected to be in the Blades squad to face Birmingham.

As per Transfermarkt, Bamford has only scored more goals against Aston Villa, Cardiff City, Ipswich Town, and Wigan Athletic than he has against Birmingham, with six against each of those clubs.

Unsurprisingly, then, the former England international was alongside Tyler Bindon and Gustavo Hamer on the scoresheet when the Blades defeated Blues 3-0 earlier this term.

Patrick Bamford can spearhead Sheffield United promotion efforts next season

Sheffield United have given themselves too much to do in terms of the Championship play-off race this season, and remain inconsistent, as demonstrated by the fact that they have enjoyed two wins in their last five games, while also enduring two defeats in the same period.

Furthermore, recent losses against Middlesbrough and Coventry City have proven that the Blades are unable to yield positive results against the second-tier's current best teams.

However, following a woeful start to the season under former boss Ruben Selles, the Bramall Lane club have shown serious signs of improvement since Wilder's return, and are capable of landing a top-half finish.

The Blades still have one of the strongest squads in the Championship and will fancy their chances of launching a significantly more serious promotion challenge next season.

If Sheffield United are in play-off or even automatic promotion contention next season, Bamford's exploits suggest that he will be at the heart of those efforts.

The 32-year-old has scored at an impressive rate this campaign, and he previously won two Championship titles with Leeds, showing he has what it takes to help the Blades over the line in the future.