Billy Sharp delivers Sheffield United prediction for end of season
Sheffield United are currently 10th in the Championship table
Sheffield United legend Billy Sharp has said he still rates the Blades to clinch play-offs come the end of the season.
United had the chance to reach a top eight position if they beat Charlton Athletic last weekend, after back-to-back victories against Wrexham and Preston North End, but failed at the final hurdle, losing 2-1 to Nathan Jones’ side, who hadn’t won since August 29.
The Addicks had also lost four on the spin before their meeting with Wilder’s men.
As a result, the Blades sit 10th in the table, but are just two points adrift of the play-off spots.
They face 20th-placed Watford in their returning fixture after the international break, but United do have a mixed record this season against teams in and around the relegation zone.
Nevertheless, Sharp still has faith in his beloved club to have an extended season.
“There's been quite a lot of negative talk in the city where I'm living, but if they [had] beat Charlton, they're in the playoffs, I think everyone sort of shuts up,” he told Sky Sports.
“But then they've won two games, and they've gone and had a defeat. That is Sheffield United at the minute. They get there, and then they lose the game that takes them into the play-offs.”
Although they’d had previous opportunities to reach the top eight, the game against Charlton was the first time they were not relying on other teams’ results to decide their fate.
“They've had a bit of unfortunate news with an injury to Seriki,” he continued. “Wilder made it quite clear that he's going to be out for the season, which is very unfortunate for him because he was somebody that Sheffield United was missing to get them up the pitch.”
“I don't think Sheff United are playing free-flowing football at the minute, but people like him, with ball carriers and somebody who's very positive about getting forward, are certainly going to get them up the pitch and help them.”
“To not have him for the rest of the season is going to be a blow to them. But they've got more than enough,” he added.