Sheffield United look to benefit from 'lucky' break

After picking up just one point from nine, losing to Walsall and Fleetwood either side of a 2-2 draw with Gillingham in League One, the Blades have been working hard on the training ground to iron out some issues.

Defensive errors have proved costly, as have missed chances, so Wilder has utilised last week’s blank weekend - due to the FA Cup - to work with his squad.

It means they go into Saturday’s game with AFC Wimbledon eager to atone and return to winning ways.

“The gap, the break, has probably helped all of us,” said Wilder.

“Looking at it, it's probably come at a decent time. We were able to recharge, regroup and work on a few little bits and pieces that always come up during the course of a long, hard season.

“It's given us time to get some bumps and bruises right. From where we are, to only have Leon (Clarke) missing from the group, is excellent. There's a lot of other clubs in worse shape than we are.”

Striker Clarke has had a steroid injection on his troublesome ankle, and sits out this weekend, as United try to find a solution to his frustrating injury.

But January signing Samir Carruthers is back, after picking up an injury on debut at Southend United last month.

“There's only Leon who misses out,” said Wilder. “He's had an ankle issue for quite a long time now and we are trying to get to the bottom if it.

“He's had a steroid injection and so he's out for the weekend.

“Hopefully he's back sooner rather than later. It's been a difficult period for Leon because he wants to get out there and be fit.

“But he can't train properly at the moment and that's rolling into games.

“Samir is training and available. He's worked really hard with the conditioners. We've seen a little cameo from him and it was outstanding. He's in contention for the weekend.”