Chris Wilder Urges Sheffield United to “Embrace the Pressure” Ahead of QPR Showdown | OneFootball

Sheffield United head down to London on Saturday afternoon to face a Queens Park Rangers side that have been outstanding at home of late.

The Blades’ promotion push remains on track, but they now sit five points behind league leaders Leeds United, while Burnley, just two points behind, are breathing down their necks with a superior goal difference. With only 12 games remaining, Chris Wilder’s men cannot afford any slip-ups if they want to secure automatic promotion back to the Premier League.

QPR have had a mixed run of results in 2025. They began the year in fine form with four consecutive Championship victories but have since struggled for consistency, winning just two of their last six matches. Most recently, they suffered a 2-1 defeat away at Portsmouth, a result that has dented their hopes of breaking into the playoff race.

Despite their inconsistency, QPR remain a dangerous side, particularly at home where they’ve won seven of their last eight matches at Loftus Road. Sheffield United will need to be at their best to ensure they leave with three points, especially considering the usual unpredictable nature of the Championship.

QPR vs Sheffield United: Injury News

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 24: Tom Cannon of Sheffield United reacts following the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United FC and Leeds United FC at Bramall Lane on February 24, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

The good news for Sheffield United is that key players are returning at a crucial stage of the season. Gustavo Hamer, Tom Cannon, and Kieffer Moore all made their returns from injury by featuring off the bench against Leeds, providing Wilder with much-needed options in attack and midfield.

However, the Blades will still be without Alfie Gilchrist, who is sidelined for the next couple of weeks as he recovers from an ankle injury. On the positive side, Femi Seriki is set to be part of the matchday squad with Harry Clarke’s availability in doubt after suffering a foot injury against Leeds United.

QPR manager Marti Cifuentes, meanwhile, has injury concerns of his own. Defenders Jake Clarke-Salter, midfielders Lucas Andersen and Harvey Vale, as well as forwards Rayan Kolli and Zan Celar, are all doubts for the fixture, which could severely weaken their matchday squad against the Blades.

Chris Wilder Wants Blades to “Enjoy” Pressure in Promotion Race

Chris Wilder, having been part of many promotion-winning campaigns, knows the importance of these final 12 games and has urged both his players and the Sheffield United supporters to embrace the pressure and enjoy the challenge ahead.

“There are huge challenges between now and the end of the season,” Wilder said. “People will look at the fixture list and say ‘that is a gimme, that is a gimme’… but everybody has something to play for. The top four are chasing promotion, another dozen clubs – including QPR – are fighting for a playoff place, and then there are those battling to stay in the division.”

Wilder also reminded the club’s fans to appreciate the position they are in, reflecting on Sheffield United’s recent history of ups and downs.

“I’ve said to the players, and my message to the supporters is: embrace it and enjoy it,” he continued. “We’ve had some incredible lows in our history: Division Four (League Two), League One, and last season’s struggles, so we have to embrace this challenge. There’s pressure, and some nerves among the supporters, but this is a position we must enjoy and get behind.”

Sheffield United cannot afford any slip-ups for the rest of the season with just two points keeping them in the automatic promotion places, but Burnley have the advantage of having a huge goal difference and they also host the Blades in the final few weeks of the season.