Oxford United v Sheffield United: Blades have chance to widen the gap at top

WITH two of the clubs within striking distance facing each other this weekend and out-of-form Scunthorpe United heading for back-to-back away games inside four days, this could be a big, big night for Sheffield United.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Mar 2017, 22:47 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2017, 10:52 BST
Alan Knill: I know it sounds terrible but, really, all we do is look at the next game.Alan Knill: I know it sounds terrible but, really, all we do is look at the next game.
Alan Knill: I know it sounds terrible but, really, all we do is look at the next game.

Win at Oxford United and, if results elsewhere go for the Blades, by Saturday tea-time the gap between Chris Wilder’s men and the third-placed team could be into double figures.

It is a tantalising prospect, not least because League One will be very much into the run-in by then due to most teams having just 10 games of the season remaining.

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Not, however, that Wilder and his men will allow themselves to become distracted by such thoughts. “We have never been a group that sets monthly points targets,” said assistant manager Alan Knill ahead of tonight’s trip to the Kassam Stadium.

“I know this sounds terrible but, really, all we do is look at the next game.

“There has got to be a new cliché, surely? We will have to come up with one. But it really is a case of focusing on one game, trying to win it and then moving on. That’s how runs get built.”

James Hanson is fit to lead the United attack alongside Billy Sharp against an Oxford side still harbouring an outside chance of breaking into the top six.

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As for the Blades, tonight’s encounter is their only fixture of the week due to scheduled opponents Millwall being involved in FA Cup quarter-final action this weekend at Tottenham Hotspur.

“If we look after ourselves then we should get to where we want to be because the games are running out,” added Knill.

Last six games: Oxford United LLWWWL, Sheffield United WWDDWD.

Referee: P Tierney (Lancashire).

Last time: Oxford United 0 Sheffield United 3; January 5, 2013; League One.

Related topics:Oxford UnitedBladesChris WilderSheffield UnitedAlan KnillLeague OneMillwall