Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder issues a Christmas message

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder believes it would be a mistake to assess his team’s Premier League credentials until the end of the season.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder prior to the Premier League match at the AMEX Stadium, Brighton: Gareth Fuller/PA WireSheffield United manager Chris Wilder prior to the Premier League match at the AMEX Stadium, Brighton: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder prior to the Premier League match at the AMEX Stadium, Brighton: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s game against Watford, which is expected to attract a sell-out crowd to Bramall Lane, the 52-year-old praised the application of United’s players during their climb to fifth.

But asked to grade the club’s performances since being promoted last term, Wilder said: “I’d rather do a full-term report. The boys went away in the summer, and we talked about needing to raise our game on and off the pitch.

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“They’ve done great but you can’t pat yourselves on the back in this game. You just can’t do that.”

United enter the meeting with Nigel Pearson’s side on the back of three straight wins after following their victories over Norwich City and Aston Villa with another at Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend.

Despite remaining at the foot of the table, Watford travel north hoping to build upon their 2-0 victory over Manchester United.

“There’s a lot of clubs looking to establish themselves and pick up points regularly,” Wilder reminded. “We’re one of those.”

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United could recall John Fleck after the midfielder missed the trip to Sussex through suspension.

Centre-forward Lys Mousset is also hoping to return to the starting eleven having been named on the bench at the AMEX Stadium, where his replacement Oli McBurnie scored the only goal of the game midway through the first-half.