3/1 To Win
Chris Wilder feels Derby County will pose the ‘toughest test to date’ to Sheffield United’s incredible record at Bramall Lane.
Gary Rowett’s Rams make the short trip to South Yorkshire today looking to build on their three-game winning run in all competitions, kick-off: 3pm.
It is the first competitive meeting between the two teams since February 2011.
The Blades were relegated to Sky Bet League 1 at the end of the 2010/11 season and spent six years in the third tier before earning automatic promotion last campaign, under the guidance of Wilder, as the runaway division leaders.
Since their promotion, United have won two and lost two of their opening four league fixtures, with both victories – against Brentford and Barnsley – coming at Bramall Lane.
That extended the Blades’ unbeaten league run on home soil to 10 matches – dating back to the end of January – and during that timeframe, nine of those games have been won.
Wilder, though, feels that record will be scrutinised by Rowett’s side this weekend.
He told Sheffield United’s official website: “This is why we're in the Championship. This is a proper football match for us against a club that will be backed by an excellent travelling support and one that I'm sure will get things right this season under Gary Rowett.
"I know Gary quite well and he is someone I can speak to about players and ask him for advice.
"He has taken a similar route to myself, he has worked his way up from Burton and Birmingham and has now got the Derby job.
"Everyone knows he was very unfortunate to lose his job at Birmingham and I'm sure he will do well at Derby."
He added: "They have been knocking on the door for a few years now. It is a proper club – one with a terrific pool of players, a fantastic stadium, infrastructure and training ground and one that should be looking to get into the Premier League.
"It's our toughest test to date at home, it's a great game to get our teeth into and we have nothing to lose."
