'We can still do this' insists Sheffield United star as the battle for Premier League survival rumbles on

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Thomas Tuchel’s side, the United midfielder admitted it will be “tough, really tough” to avoid relegation from the top-flight after making a troubled start to the season.

But after losing all but three of their opening 18 matches, United will enter their meeting with the six-time champions of England having won five of their last seven in all competitions. And that, Lundstram claimed, has led to renewed belief behind the scenes about their chances of survival.

“There’s a little bit of hope, he said. “It’s going to be really, really tough. But we have put ourselves in this position and we have to get out of it.

“It’s been a frustrating season because at times we’ve had good performances and lost those narrow games. That’s not happened as much this season. Performance levels haven’t actually been that much different.”

Lundstram, whose future at Bramall Lane remains in doubt after he failed to accept what manager Chris Wilder described as a “final” contract offer, scored five goals as United finished ninth in the table last term. However, as he prepares to make his 20th appearance of the campaign when Chelsea visit South Yorkshire, the Liverpudlian is still searching for this first since July’s meeting with Southampton.

“In front of goal, I’ve been getting in really good positions but not getting one,” he said. “If one goes in, it really kick starts me. I’ve been hard on myself, but I’ll keep trying to get into those positions. I am still getting into them, which is a good sign.”

Accepting that rediscovering his touch in the final third will enhance United’s chances of staying up, Lundstram added: “I’m fully committed to this football club. I’m totally committed to helping us get out of trouble, and that’s what we are aiming to do. The confidence is up, it feels brighter, after our recent results.”

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