“That All Goes Out The Window On Sunday Afternoon” – Wilder Previews Steel City Derby as Wednesday Boss Makes Bizarre Dig at Sheffield United | OneFootball

Sheffield United will make the short trip across the Steel City to face local rivals Sheffield Wednesday. With both teams chasing promotion and play-off ambitions, this derby could have massive implications for their seasons.

Both sides arrive at Hillsborough in vastly different moods. The Blades were left frustrated after conceding a last-minute equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Bristol City in midweek, a game in which they were second-best for large spells. In contrast, Wednesday will be riding a wave of momentum after a stunning 3-2 comeback victory at Norwich, where they overturned a two-goal deficit in just 12 minutes.

Chris Wilder’s men, however, have been formidable on their travels, winning their last five away league matches. Another victory at Hillsborough would mark six consecutive away wins for the first time since the 1892/93 season.

Adding further intrigue, United are aiming to complete a league double over their fierce rivals for the first time since the 2005/06 campaign, a season that ended in promotion to the Premier League – something the Blades are also aiming to achieve this term.

Chris Wilder Previews Steel City Derby As Blades Eye Double

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 12: Chris Wilder, manager of Sheffield United shows appreciation to the fans after the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United FC and Middlesbrough FC on February 12, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

Blades boss Chris Wilder is no stranger to Sheffield derbies and understands the intensity that awaits at Hillsborough. He downplayed Wednesday’s inconsistent home form, stating in his press conference: “Couple of great results for them on the road. The obvious one is the home record compared to the away record, the away record has been fantastic, their home record has not been that good. I’ve got to say: that all goes out the window on Sunday afternoon. It’s going to be a competitive, emotional game as these games always are.”

Wilder was full of praise for the quality in Wednesday’s squad, specifically highlighting players such as Anthony Musaba, Josh Windass, and Barry Bannan.

But, the United manager believes experience, calmness, and composure is a hugely important quality in games such as the Steel City derby. He said: “The game isn’t won in the stands. The game is basically not really won from a tactical point of view or preparation. The game is won on the pitch and who handles pressure the best; who delivers their game plan the best. Who takes the big moments, and who keeps their discipline.”

“We’re confident that we’ve handled those challenges right the way through and we’ll handle this challenge. This group of players, wherever they’ve been, have played in big games. Vini’s [Souza] played in big games. Jack Robinson, Callum [O’Hare], Gus [Hamer], Rob Holding, Anel [Ahmedhodzic], Tyrese [Campbell], Rhian [Brewster]. They’ve all managed big games and produced performances because they wouldn’t be at the level they are if they hadn’t,” he exclaimed.

The last time the Blades won at Hillsborough was in the 2017/18 campaign, and it certainly was a day not to forget if you’re of United persuasion as the Blades didn’t just beat Wednesday, they embarrassed them. To be more specific, Mark Duffy embarrassed them.

That game was the first time Wilder managed United against Sheffield Wednesday. He said: “We know exactly what we’re going to be walking into. When we played there in the game we won 4-2; the noise when they equalised was arguably, from my experience, the most deafening noise I’ve ever come across at a football stadium. Obviously we quickly quietened it down but we understand everything that will get chucked at us.”

Interestingly, this game was actually the last time United conceded a goal against Wednesday – there has been four games since.

Danny Rohl Throws Sly Dig at Sheffield United

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Danny Rohl, Manager of Sheffield Wednesday, looks on prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield Wednesday FC and Norwich City FC at Hillsborough on November 05, 2024 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Wednesday boss Danny Rohl has remained composed in the build-up, choosing not to dwell on the antics from Wilder following United’s 1-0 win earlier in the season. Instead, he is focusing on the positive energy in his squad after back-to-back wins.

“I think what other guys thought about me and what they are doing after games is not my problem or my topic. I will not waste my energy to talk or think about this,” he told BBC Sport.

Nevertheless, Rohl is determined to change Wednesday’s home form and he knows Sunday afternoon, against United, would be the perfect opportunity to get a rare home victory. He said: “The first game was a 1-0 defeat, now we have a new chance to show a good performance at home. The last home win was early January, which we want to improve and for this game we will do everything.”

The German coach, perhaps tactically, chose to bring up Sheffield United’s squad value compared to Wednesday’s. He stated: “We achieved our small goal to have over 50 points and on the other side we have an opponent who has the value of £125m, maybe the pressure is not on us – it’s about them. They have to deliver.”

The reality is: the Blades only have a much higher squad value compared to the Owls because they have played three Premier League seasons in the past six campaigns. Perhaps Wednesday should focus on trying to get to England’s top flight for the first time in 25 years, rather than worrying about the squad value of Sheffield United.

A loss on Sunday afternoon would be damaging for both clubs. Anyone who says otherwise is lying. Both teams have their sights set on having something to play for in the final weeks of the campaign. Of course, either club would love to be the ones to dish out a defeat and spoil the other’s party.