“Always Something to Play For” – Wilder’s Rallying Cry As Sheffield United Travel to Norfolk | OneFootball

Sheffield United make the trip to Norwich City on Wednesday evening as the two sides meet at Carrow Road in the EFL Championship.

After spending much of the campaign hovering near the bottom of the table, Norwich have found form at a crucial stage of the season. The Canaries have won seven of their last nine league matches, a run that has lifted them ten points clear of the relegation zone.

Norwich were in FA Cup action last weekend but suffered a setback, losing 3-0 away to Leeds United.

Meanwhile, Sheffield United left Bramall Lane frustrated on Saturday after missing a big opportunity to build momentum. The Blades looked set to secure three points against West Bromwich Albion but conceded in the final ten minutes after taking the lead, leaving them eight points adrift of the play-off places.

United manager Chris Wilder confirmed after the match that striker Patrick Bamford was substituted at half-time with a dead leg and will continue to be assessed ahead of the midweek fixture.

Defender Sam McCallum and midfielder Tom Davies remain sidelined through injury, while Gustavo Hamer will miss the trip to Norfolk as he serves the first of a two-game suspension after accumulating yellow cards.

Chris Wilder Provides Fitness Update & Expands on Draw vs West Brom

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the clash, Wilder said his squad are generally in good health despite a few knocks.

“A couple of bumps and bruises. Obviously Pat [Bamford] came off at half-time, so we’re assessing him and giving him as much time as possible to be involved on Wednesday night,” Wilder said.

The United boss admitted there was frustration following the draw with West Brom but stressed that his side must quickly refocus with another opportunity arriving in midweek.

“It wasn’t the most free-flowing of performances. Playing against a team first half that made it difficult for us. We created enough second half after reviewing the game and really should have seen the game out or should have won the game 2-0, but it’s a missed opportunity and then we’re quickly back to the next opportunity, which is Norwich on Wednesday night.”

Hamer’s suspension opens the door for others in midfield, with Wilder pointing to increased competition for places as several players have recently returned from injury or suspension.

Sheffield United Boss on Recent Clashes Against Norwich City

Wilder also spoke positively about Norwich and their manager Philippe Clement, praising the work done to lift the club away from danger.

“You can see what he brings to Norwich City; their style, the way they play, how together they are. They’ve had some fabulous results which they’ve worked hard for. There’s an aura about him that draws respect straight away from players and people in the game and we understand the task ahead of us.”

Meetings between the sides have often produced competitive encounters, something Wilder acknowledged when reflecting on past battles dating back to Norwich’s time under former boss Daniel Farke.

“Always good battles going back to Daniel. Every time I speak to him we have a little bit of a chuckle about it because we’re pals. There’s always that little bit of pantomime regarding the fixture.”

Blades Boss Insists There’s Still Something to Play For

Despite the gap to the play-offs, Wilder insists there is still plenty to play for in the closing stages of the season, with players aiming to impress ahead of international selections and the end-of-season run-in.

“There’s something in it for everyone. Players wanting to finish the season on a high, players that are out of contract wanting a big finish, and a manager and coaching staff that have that desire every game we take part in. There’s always something to play for.”

Sheffield United have had a good record against the Canaries in recent years having not lost against them since 2017 (six wins and four draws). A positive result at Carrow Road would just about keep the play-off hopes alive, though it’s hanging by a thin thread.