Sheffield United manager thanks fans for another sell-out following

United supporters snapped up their allocation of tickets for the fixture soon after they went on sale, with all seats in the home section of the ground now being bought too.

Far from proving an intimidating experience for his players, manager Chris Wilder believes the visitors will be inspired by the prospect of performing in one of the top-flight’s most atmospheric arenas after paying a series of tributes to United’s away following.

He made a point of praising them again after the FA Cup win over Millwall, which saw United set-up a fifth round tie against either Cardiff City or Reading.

“They’ve come down in their numbers again,” Wilder said, noting the match at The Den was the second of three successive outings in London for United. “They’ve got right behind the lads and it means a lot because I know it can be an expensive business going to watch your team all over the country.”

“It’s important they know it’s appreciated,” Wilder, whose side drew with Arsenal earlier this month, added. “And they are. So a ‘big thanks’ because their backing makes a real difference too.”

United will stage their first home fixture since January 21 when AFC Bournemouth make the journey north on February 9. The two sides drew 1-1 at The Vitality Stadium on the opening weekend of the season.

United are preparing for their meeting with Palace in eighth.