'Sheffield United could have been more disrupted than any other Premier League team,' says Sky Sports pundit

Sheffield United will kick-off ‘Project Restart’ against Aston Villa, with the Blades well-placed to push for a Champions League spot or qualification for the Europa League.

However, despite the season they have had, not everyone believes Chris Wilder’s side should be preparing for Europe.

Charlie Nicholas – formerly of Arsenal – is tipping his old club, who are currently in ninth, three points behind seventh-placed United, to get a Europa League spot along with Manchester United.

Nicholas claims the Blades’ season may have been disrupted more than others.

“I would like to think that after the awkward Man City game Arsenal have actually got some relatively good, winnable games, but everything is questionable we know that. It's hard to predict. There is a real fight going to happen here,” he told Sky Sports.

“Sheffield United have been the second best team of the season after Liverpool but I think if anybody has been disrupted it might be Sheffield United.

“We will judge them on the opening Wednesday against Aston Villa away, so we will wait and see that one.

“I just think Arsenal can kick on a little bit, more in hope with the heart ruling the head than anything else but I expect Manchester United and Arsenal to probably be there.”

On the Champions League, United don’t get a look in there either: "I think the big danger for the top four is potentially Wolves.”

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