Charlton Athletic v Sheffield United: Chris Wilder aims to vanquish tough memories as Blades chase milestone
IF last season is anything to go by, there is likely to be some element of drama in store at The Valley this afternoon.
Sheffield United's last visit to SE7 in January saw visiting players Djibril Soumare and Japhet Tanganga controversially dismissed for straight red cards in the opening half. The nine-man Blades overcame major adversity to push Charlton all the way before going down 1-0.
The Addicks had triumphed by the same margin in the South Yorkshire rain in September 2025 in the first game of Chris Wilder's third coming at Bramall Lane, with substitute Isaac Olaofe grabbing a 94th-minute winner.
Wilder has memories from both afternoons etched into his mind and should things go his side’s way this time around, the Blades chief may struggle to keep his emotions in check, understandably, at the final whistle.
Like Wilder, Charlton rival Nathan Jones is a passionate competitor.
After a strong start to the campaign, his Charlton side are in the midst of a hard run of results. The Londoners are winless in 11 league matches, losing their last four.
Today arrives as a chance to start changing the narrative - and make the international hiatus feel less long.
Wilder's motivation is United securing a third straight league win for the first time in almost a year.
He said: "He (Jones) is an incredibly committed and passionate manager who cares about his work, team and career. He's done ever so well.
"Always when I have played against Nathan's teams, they are super-competitive and he will understand that, coming back his way as well.
"That's not many teams who have had no challenges in this competitive Championship season. I've talked about the challenges we've had here and he's had similar challenges. John Eustace is having challenges; everyone is having challenges right the way through.
"We had two disappointing afternoons for us last season (against Charlton). The (home) game was on me, chasing a game at the end and we get 'done' in the 94th minutes with scenes of Nathan knee-sliding at the end with all their players is still pretty fresh in my memory.
"I can't say too much about the away performance which was absolutely killed by refereeing decisions. But what I will say is that the attitude of the team was absolutely outstanding."
Kalvin Phillips is back in contention, but Joe Rothwell won't be involved, with the schemer to undergo minor groin surgery which will sideline him for a few weeks.