Sheffield United have created an opportunity for themselves ahead of their next four fixtures
Sheffield United’s schedule ahead of the November international break offers them a good opportunity to try and get more points on the board.
Two wins from their last three matches have seen Sheffield United climb to within touching distance of the play-off places.
After narrowly being edged out by Portsmouth at Fratton Park last Wednesday night, losing 3-2, the Blades got back to winning ways last Saturday afternoon with a 1-0 victory over Bristol City at Ashton Gate, thanks to a first-half strike from Oliver Arblaster.
Two wins in three games since the international break have seen United climb from 18th to 11th in the table, suggesting that the pause came at the ideal time, just as manager Chris Wilder had hoped. United have raised the bar with their performances, showing increased levels of commitment and resilience, strengthening the mood around their start to the season.
Amid a growing feeling that United have turned a corner, the next challenge for Wilder’s troops is to build some momentum, starting with Saturday’s clash against Derby County at Bramall Lane.
The Rams will make the trip to S2 hoping to arrest their current slump and return to winning ways after a run of seven games without a victory. They currently sit 23rd in the table, having won just one of their first 11 Championship matches this season.
An extensive injury crisis in defence has prevented Rams boss John Eustace from building any momentum. As a result, United will be hoping to capitalise on Derby’s current predicament and record back-to-back Championship wins for the first time this season.
The visit of the Rams will mark the first of four games in 15 days for the Blades ahead of the November international break. All four fixtures are against sides currently below them in the Championship table, with clashes against Wrexham (H), Preston North End (A) and Charlton Athletic (A) to follow the meeting with Derby.
United have faced six teams currently below them in the table so far this season, picking up ten points from a possible 18. This represents a respectable record that should give them encouragement as they look to add to their tally over the next fortnight.
Of course, it goes without saying that anyone can beat anyone in the Championship regardless of league position, such is the unpredictability of the division, but United’s upcoming crop of games ahead of the second international break of the campaign certainly represents an opportunity to pick up valuable points.
Derby, of course, have endured a torrid time so far this season. The same can be said of Preston, who are currently bottom of the table after recording just one win and nine defeats in their first 11 games. United are scheduled to travel to Deepdale on Tuesday, November 3.
Charlton, meanwhile, are currently on the slide, with Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Watford extending their winless run to eight matches. The Addicks, who are also struggling in front of goal at the moment, will welcome the Blades to The Valley on Saturday, November 7.
On paper, Wrexham should provide United with their sternest test before the November international break when they visit Bramall Lane next Friday night. The phrase ‘on paper’ can often be dangerous in football, but if United approach each of their next four games with the right mindset, they should fancy their chances of securing a healthy haul of points.
With none of the Championship’s biggest names or promotion contenders featuring on United’s upcoming fixture list, this next block of games could go a long way towards determining the Blades’ direction of travel this season.
Six points from the last nine on offer mean United are suddenly looking up rather than down, and that is the trajectory Wilder will be keen to maintain.
With two games at home and two on the road before the break, United will be hoping to secure a good haul from the next 12 points on offer, starting with a double-header at S2 against Derby and Wrexham.
Having beaten Lincoln and Bristol City since the last international break, while coming agonisingly close to earning a point with 10 men at Portsmouth, United have plenty of reason for optimism ahead of a favourable run of fixtures.