Pundit shares why he was ‘delighted’ by Sheffield United amid...

Sheffield United defeated Cardiff City 2-0, but it was insufficient to close the gap with Burnley and Leeds United, as

both of their competitors for promotion also triumphed.

Last week, after three straight Championship losses, it was a crucial victory during a “worrying” week for the Blades

and Chris Wilder. Although Wilder has recently taken aim at his detractors, his team defeated a Cardiff team that

presented some challenges.

Many supporters and pundits backed Sheffield United to win after a difficult week for the squad, and Gus Hamer

once again stole the show to ensure their victory. Although they still have little chance of getting promoted, Monday’s

trip to Turf Moor might put pressure on them and turn the tide in their favour.

Analysts at Sky Sports are hoping for Wilder’s team because he hasn’t had everything go his way lately. Before the

Cardiff game, for example, the Blades boss had every reason to be angry about recent EFL decisions.

Former Leeds striker Michael Bridges spoke to David Prutton in the Sky Sports studio to provide his thoughts on

Sheffield United. He said: “They’re under massive pressure now because of Burnley and Leeds both winning.

“Now on Monday, it’s so much more interesting. I’m delighted that Sheffield United got the result today for Wilder

and the team.

“Just to keep it interesting for that Monday going in to the end of the season, but I was even more delighted that

Leeds got the win, obviously.”

Team	Chance of automatic promotion	Expected points
Leeds United	99.28%	97.38
Burnley	96.00%	96.79
Sheffield United	4.72%	90.51

“What are your thoughts/interpretation of that if you’re a player in Sheffield United’s colours?” Prutton questioned

Jobi McAnuff in reference to Opta’s numbers. What would you learn from that if you were Chris Wilder?

“You understand how it is,” McAnuff continued. It is that simple: they must go and win on Monday. They don’t need

to demonstrate how difficult it will be, in my opinion.

Whatever happens, I believe that if they want to make the playoffs, which appears to be their best chance, they

simply need to finish this season strong.

“Where they haven’t gone lately, you want to be getting there in good shape and with a pleasant attitude. We talk

about it a lot; where is the pressure? Once more, if they could give it their best shot on Monday, all the pressure will

be on Burnley.

Burnley would be under pressure to go and finish the job. Because, considering their status, they ought to. Suddenly,

that machine will have slightly different statistics when Sheff U wins that.

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