Despite Sheffield United’s form in the Championship in our first year back in the second tier, manager Chris Wilder has said the side will be going all out against Preston North End in the FA Cup fourth round tie this weekend.
Speaking to the Official Site as he met with the media ahead of Alex Neil and his side making the trip to Bramall Lane, Wilder said there was likely to be changes but there was no way he was throwing the game.
The changes made would still see him put out a side he thought was capable of taking the win and booking our place in the fifth round draw, but of course it came down to fitness, sharpness and players who needed a rest as well as minutes under their belt to keep them sharp.
‘We’re fine after Norwich, which is good because it was a competitive battle. It was a big game for us and I enjoyed watching my team, we were outstanding in everything we did and we’re in good shape for Preston.’
He went on to say.
‘It’s a big week for us and when you look at the forthcoming fixtures it’s why we want to be in the Championship, but Saturday’s FA Cup tie is an important one for us too. We’ve got some glamorous and attractive games coming up, so I will use the group accordingly, but I expect a performance and a result.’
Wilder went on to confirm that striker Ched Evans could return for the first time since undergoing ankle surgery earlier in the season.
‘Ched could play a part, he played 60 minutes on Monday at Ipswich, his recovery is going well and there is a possibility he could feature.’
He did however rule out Kieron Freeman and David Brooks from the match.
‘Kieron and David won’t be involved but neither of them are too far away which is also pleasing.’
The Star also have him confirming that players could still leave on loan this month before the deadline closes.
‘There`s a possibility one or two might leave on loan before Saturday. We`ve openly talked about the four players getting some football, it`s not a secret and they understand that. They`re professional footballers and they need to play games, and we need to reduce the squad. We`ve got some top quality fixtures coming up, including Saturday which is an important game for us, because we want to progress. Then Aston Villa come to town before we play the leaders Wolves away, then there`s Leeds soon after. It`s a great time to be included with this football club.’
With Ben Heneghan believed to be one of those available for a loan, we have reportedly rejected a permanent offer from Northampton Town for his services.
