Blades boss on Bristol City test as Wilder points out “key” to success | OneFootball

Sheffield United continue their Championship campaign on Tuesday with a trip to Ashton Gate to face an in-form Bristol City side. Chris Wilder’s men come into the fixture on the back of two straight 2-0 wins, including a recent victory over Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.

This fine form has propelled the Blades within striking distance of automatic promotion places, just one point behind second-place Leeds United and four behind the league leaders, Sunderland.

Meanwhile, Bristol City currently sit in ninth place, just two points shy of a playoff spot. They’ve been on an impressive eight-match unbeaten streak, capped by a commanding 3-1 away win against Preston North End under Paul Heckingbottom’s management.

The Robins are proving tough competition, having recently beaten Middlesbrough and taking a point from Leeds United, and they’ll be looking to continue their rise up the table against another playoff contender on Tuesday evening.

Chris Wilder looks ahead to the trip to Bristol City

United will welcome back Anel Ahmedhodzic, who returns from suspension after missing the Blackburn Rovers clash. Wilder now faces a selection dilemma with the defender’s availability, but, in his pre-match press conference, he has made it clear that the upcoming Steel City derby on Sunday won’t factor into his decisions for this game. “Not at all,” Wilder stated. “The whole process has gone into Bristol City because they’re a really good side. We can’t look any further.”

While Wilder has been open to rotating his squad, he hinted that the forward line may see more changes than the midfield or defence. “Having options at the top of the pitch is huge and key,” Wilder explained. “When we’ve had successful sides we had the mix: the McGoldrick and Sharp, and McBurnie floating about, and Callum Robinson and Mousset. Those combinations, and what we had to play against different sides, and the amount of work those boys put in from a physical point of view. Having options at the top of the pitch is huge and key; that’s where the majority of changes have happened and will happen.”

BRISTOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 02: Liam Manning, Manager of Bristol City acknowledges the supporters following the Sky Bet Championship match between Bristol City FC and Sheffield Wednesday FC at Ashton Gate on October 02, 2024 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Sheffield United boss on Bristol City and Liam Manning

Wilder also took time to praise Bristol City’s head coach Liam Manning, highlighting his successful track record in the English Football League. “Everybody has different pathways [into coaching], so, academy, into his work at MK Dons. He did a really good job at Oxford and that opened the door for him to walk into a really steady and strong football club in Bristol City. That’s what happens, you get recognised as a good manager and a good coach and you climb the ladder, and at every club he’s been successful.”

Manning, who joined Bristol City after spells with MK Dons and Oxford United, has impressed at Ashton Gate, leading a steady, well-organised side. “Good facilities, good strong Championship club,” Wilder commented. “We’ve always had really tight games against them, nothing in it, always a difficult place to go.”