Chris Wilder is anticipating a “difficult” game as Sheffield United prepare to host Preston North End on Saturday.
The Blades will be hopeful of winning a vital three points as they look to continue their automatic promotion push.
Preston, led by ex- United boss Paul Heckingbottom, have been inconsistent so far this season and are currently sat 15th in the table.
Speaking ahead of the game on Friday morning, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder anticipated a competitive game.
He said: “The start of the season was a great one for us and not so good for them.
“They are a strong championship football club who have been in this league for a long time.
“They’ll understand the qualities we have but they are stubborn and have experienced championship players who will make it difficult.”
On the injury front, there are continued absences for Femi Seriki, Tom Cannon, Alfie Gilchrist and Harry Clark.
Welsh international Rhys Norrington Davies suffered another injury blow midweek whilst playing for the u21s side.
“It isn’t looking too good.” Wilder added.
“He’s had a scan, we’ve taken him to a specialist so he won’t be available definitely for the next three games. It’s really unfortunate for him as he’s a top pro, a top trainer.”
Blades head into this weekend on the back of a 2-1 victory away at Queens Park Rangers last weekend, sitting 2 points ahead of 3rd place Burnley.
Wilder added: “It’s tough to win games, it’s tough to be at the top of the table, and tomorrow we will have to deal with a tough opponent. They will want to come and get a result.”
Next up, we welcome PNE to BDTBL ⚔ pic.twitter.com/mxCq5iCEu0
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Saturday’s match will see a return to Bramall Lane for Paul Heckingbottom, the man who took Sheffield United to the Premier League in 2023.
Chris Wilder was full of praise for his ex-colleague: “Paul took the reins here at a difficult time. From a stats point of view, he did amazing to get the team into the playoffs.
He’s a quality operator who has a great knowledge of the game. I’m delighted he’s doing well.”