Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder talks Derby County struggles ahead of Championship clash
Wilder gives his assessment on Derby County’s season so far ahead of Saturday’s match
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has insisted that the Derby County clash on Saturday is still a challenge despite the Rams’ injury crisis.
United host Derby at Bramall Lane on Saturday in the early kick-off.
The Blades have an opportunity to secure back-to-back victories for the first time this season after they defeated Bristol City at Ashton Gate last weekend.
Derby have suffered from a frustrating injury crisis this season, with 10 players unavailable in their previous match against Stoke City.
However, Rams’ boss John Eustace has confirmed right-back Max Johnston was back in training this week and hinted that midfielder Alex Mowatt could be available.
“If you're talking about challenges, John has had as big a challenge as any of us have in the division. I might be involved in that as well,” said Wilder.
“John won't be feeling sorry for himself. He'll try and galvanise his team. They've got a lot of good players, a lot of things that happened in preseason, have gone against John and maybe the outlook for their season with a potential takeover, but as an experienced operator, as a successful operator, he'll want to get on and he'll see this as an ideal opportunity.”
“I think it's a great game for them to get themselves back on track, full house, from an away end, it’s always an edgy game,” he added.
“I always like the games against Derby. We've had some really good games against them.”
The Rams defeated United at Bramall Lane last season for the first time since 2011.
“Last year at home, they fully deserved their victory. We think it's a good game for us, as well. So they'll believe their performance levels have been pretty good. They'll believe that they're one performance or result of getting themselves back on track.”
“We're talking about that rollercoaster season, and I'm sure John's on that roller coaster just as much as I am.”