Sheffield United have the perfect test to try and deliver Chris Wilder promise
Sheffield United will be hoping to secure a much-needed win when they face Lincoln City at Bramall Lane this weekend.
After four defeats in five games prior to the international break, Sheffield United will be determined to get back on track when they welcome Lincoln City to Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon.
The Blades signed off for the pause with a 2-1 defeat to Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium just over a fortnight ago, meaning the extended break has felt much longer than it otherwise might have done.
Despite leading 1-0 heading into the final 15 minutes, United left Staffordshire empty-handed after excellent strikes from Jack McGlynn and Sam Gallagher turned the game in Stoke’s favour, condemning United to a third defeat in seven days in the process.
Having won nine points from their first eight Championship matches this season, United have spent the international break sitting 18th in the table, four points shy of the play-off places and four points above the relegation zone. Despite being six places below Lincoln, the Blades are only two points behind them ahead of Saturday’s encounter.
Although the visit of the Imps, who have not faced the Blades in a league game since 1961, will only mark United’s ninth Championship outing of the season, it already has a must-win feel to it amid the rising tensions and frustrations around Bramall Lane that have carried over from what was a disappointing summer transfer window.
Lincoln have made a very respectable start to life in the second tier, amassing 11 points from their first eight matches. They have won each of their last three away games without conceding a goal, meaning United are expected to come up against a stubborn and well-drilled team that is still brimming with confidence after winning the League One title at a canter last season.
Although the Imps will be chasing a fourth successive away win at Bramall Lane, their recent victories over Bolton Wanderers, Preston North End and Bristol City, each of which have been achieved via a 1-0 scoreline, have not been built on them being the dominant force. Instead, they have made life as uncomfortable as possible for the opposition by sitting deep, soaking up pressure and trying to be effective from set pieces.
With that blueprint in mind, a fast start feels imperative to United’s chances of securing a much-needed win, meaning Wilder must ensure his players deliver on the promise he made after the defeat to Stoke
“As I said, it’s a tough little period that we’re going through,” Wilder said. “Whether it’s personally or as a team, it tests you.
“You don’t enjoy it, but you have to come out fighting and punching, and we certainly will.”
Having scored the opening goal in just one of their first eight Championship matches this term, that is one particular area of their game that United must improve. Lincoln have demonstrated that they can soak up pressure for long periods before hurting the opposition at the other end of the field. Their three victories so far this season have been sealed via second-half goals.
With an expectant Bramall Lane crowd going to demand an improved performance and a second home win of the season, it does feel imperative that United make a fast start and, just as Wilder said, they “come out fighting and punching”.
Lincoln have proven in their first eight games this season that they are not to be taken lightly, earning three wins on the road, taking a point off Southampton and forcing both Middlesbrough and Swansea City to come from behind to take all three points off them.
If Wilder hopes to see his side put on a performance with a sense of aggression, Lincoln will provide the test in which those traits will be required.