Derby County boss John Eustace's 'fantastic' Sheffield United admission ahead of tense Championship finale
Derby County head coach John Eustace’s 'fantastic' Sheffield United admission ahead of tense Championship finale
Derby County head coach John Eustace has warned his side they are set to face a “fantastic” Sheffield United squad.
The final day of the regular Championship season will be a tense one for the Rams, who could leapfrog Hull City and Wrexham to secure a play-off place.
In their way at Pride Park will be Sheffield United, who have fallen short of pre-season expectations and have nothing but pride and their futures to play for.
Derby County head coach’s praise for Sheffield United
“Their squad is fantastic,” Eustace told RamsTV. “Chris Wilder is a really experienced top manager at this level, and it certainly won't be an easy game for us.
“They're on the back of two defeats previously to that. They've had two fantastic away wins. This is going to be a really difficult game for us and one that we're really looking forward to.
“We're playing in front of a packed house with fantastic support, and we've got to be as competitive as we can be and see where it takes us.
“Of course, we've got good momentum at home, but to win a game in the Championship is very tough, and this won't be any different. It's going to be a really tough afternoon for us, but again, it's one we're really looking forward to.”
Familiar faces
Derby’s squad is littered with former Blades, including one Sheffield United forked out a reported £23.5m for in 2020. Rhian Brewster made the switch to Pride Park lasy year and has since registered seven goals in 31 games.
Also in the Rams squad is Chile international Ben Brereton Diaz, who has ended each of the last two campaigns on loan at Bramall Lane.
For Wilder, the fixture will be another opportunity to assess his squad ahead of a summer of change in South Yorkshire. A fresh start is required at Bramall Lane and it appears a raft of players could make way as part of an overhaul.
Reports have indicated midfielders Gustavo Hamer and Sydie Peck could be sold and that veteran defender Ben Mee will be allowed to depart.