Wilson pledges Blades will try to cut down leaders Charlton

The Blades can close the gap on the Addicks to just one point this afternoon and Wilson has stressed that his side have no intention of playing for a draw.

With 11 wins from their last 12 games, the Blades are the form team in the division and will be seeking revenge for a 2-0 defeat at Bramall Lane three months ago.

“There are still 20 games to play so the position we can end up in if we win means nothing,” said Wilson. “The confidence and psychological boost will be more significant than anything.

“We are going down there to win, we are not going to sit back and hope to scramble a point. We are going (there) to win the game and cause them some problems.

“The game is significant because of the history of both clubs and the position we both find ourselves in,” he added. “It’s a great game between two former Premiership clubs who both expect to be challenging at the end of the season.”

Sheffield Wednesday manager Gary Megson hailed Charlton as ‘champions elect’ afer losing to the Addicks at Hillsborough last weekend but his comments have been dismissed as ‘psychological warfare’ by Charlton manager Chris Powell.

”It’s nice of him to give us the plaudits like that but he knows that there is a long, long way to go and he is getting the other teams at it and his own team,” said Powell yesterday. ”It’s psychological warfare from Gary. He’s been around far too long.

“That’s him just stoking it up, which is right, because there are some good teams vying for the top two – and top six – spots but there is a long way to go yet.”

The Owls, who dropped to fourth in the table last weekend, host Hartlepool United this afternoon

Wilson, meanwhile, shares Powell’s view that the race for the title is far from over.

“There is nothing to get carried away with at this point but Charlton have put themselves in a very strong position,” he said. “Chris Powell has done great.

“I am not sure how many players he has brought in, I have lost count, but you still have to make them gel and play the way you want them to.

“They had a fantastic start to the season and have only blipped a couple of times results wise. They are very buoyed, particularly after the result they got last week.

“In the game earlier this season, we learned that they were very well organised and worked hard for each other,” Wilson reflected. “Mind you, I thought they were very fortunate with the goals – both were from a couple of mistakes – and overall I didn’t think there was much to choose between the sides.

“I am sure they are respectful to what we have in our group and will do their homework.

“We know we will have to be on top of our game in terms of creativity and defending if we want to come away with the points.”

Former Barnsley striker Danny Haynes is set to make his debut for Charlton after sitting out last week’s game against Wednesday.

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