Talk of Europe is declared off-limits as Sheffield United prepare to face Premier League giants

Speaking ahead of the meeting with Frank Lampard’s side, Wilder warned any loss of focus could prove disastrous against opponents he believes possess one of the most dangerous attacks in top-flight competition.

“I can’t control what you guys say about Europe, it’s media talk,” Wilder told journalists during last night’s pre-match press conference. “We can’t control that. What we can control is performances and we want a big finish. That is what we are demanding. No matter about squad sizes and the advantages that every other team in the division has over us. We want a big finish.”

United will enter the match on the back of a dramatic victory over sixth-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers, after John Egan scored the only goal of the contest in the 93rd minute.

Wilder admitted that win still “felt big” when, less than 24 hours later, he previewed a fixture which could see his squad climb above their rivals from Molineux with only three matches remaining. Chelsea will travel north in third.

“We’re going to have to be at our best in both boxes and also that bit in the middle,” Wilder said. “They way they (Chelsea) play, (Christian) Pulisic looks an absolute star and I think they are one of the most free flowing teams in the division.

“Looking at them in possession, this is going to be one of the most difficult evenings we are going tik experience in the Premier League so far. From a shape point of view, we need to be really at it and we’ll have to produce one of our best performances of the season.”

United drew 2-2 at Stamford Bridge earlier this term, only four months after securing promotion from the Championship.

“You look at Liverpool and Manchester City, the top two,” Wilder added. “But, from an attacking point of view, for me, Chelsea are right up there with them.”

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