Preston North End v Sheffield United: How Liam Kitching has helped defensive improvement

The Blades conceded almost twice as many goals last season as the campaign before, from 36 to 66. So far this term they have shipped 15 in 13 Championship games, and only second-placed Swansea City have kept more clean sheets.

One important factor has been the loan signing of Liam Kitching from Coventry City, but the Harrogate-born centre-back will be suspended at Deepdale after his fifth yellow card of the season.

Wilder has been delighted with the improvement, but insists it has not come at the price of positivity.

"It was something that we reviewed after last season – how many points we dropped from winning positions, what we needed to do, what we needed to lift," he revealed.

"The key is that you give yourself an opportunity to win games of football.

"We're a front-footed team. We don't go into games sitting off teams and playing on the counter-attack. It's not my way.

"But you have to make sure that individually you defend well, you don't make any mistakes.

"If there's one mistake, then somebody clears that out.

"Too many times last season one mistake went to two, three and four.

"So, having defenders that want to defend, having a team that wants to defend is really important."

Kitching played an important part as Coventry won last season's Championship, and has fitted in well at Bramall Lane.

"Every football club in the country has certain characteristics, doesn't it?" commented Wilder. "What makes a Sheffield United player? Liam pretty much seems to fit that bill, doesn't he?

"He's competitive going forward, personality, positive, trains well.

"I've known Liam a long time. Not personally, but through performances, playing locally, starting his career at Leeds United through to Harrogate and then to Forest Green and Barnsley. He played against us a few times for Coventry and won promotion.

"I look at that as well – players that have had success and know what it's like to win games.

"I think Liam's made a great difference to us. He's one that we're going to miss on Tuesday night.

"It's looked as if we're a little bit of a settled back four at the moment.

"There's nothing really tactical we've changed, it's just about dealing with when you're in possession and you're in control of the game."

The Blades have doubts over the former Leeds United trio of Kalvin Phillips, Patrick Bamford and Joe Rothwell after ankle, shoulder and groin injuries respectively.

"He's a tough boy and we've got to have tough boys mentally and physically," said Wilder after Phillips played through his problem against Wrexham.

"There's a bit of swelling, (but) that's calmed down. Fingers crossed he'll be available.

"Pat has a little bit of an issue with his shoulder. He's been working outside the last couple of days so a late decision will be made on him.”

Rothwell was due to be on the bench on Friday, but pulled out with a groin strain in the warm-up.