Swindon Town v Sheffield United - Blades stick to original plans and leave speculation to others

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder celebrates the win over Oxford. Picture: Robin Parker/Sportimage

Defeats for Fleetwood Town and Scunthorpe United meant the Blades’ advantage over the chasing pack remained at eight points. While Bolton’s win at Highbury may have cut the cushion on third place by a couple of points to nine, manager Chris Wilder and his men could have few complaints at the end of their blank weekend.

“I went to Port Vale (on Saturday) and watched them play Swindon, as they are two teams we have still got to play,” said Wilder ahead of tonight’s trip to the County Ground.

“Of course, we kept an eye on things elsewhere; anyone who tells you otherwise possibly isn’t telling the truth.

“We also all see people writing things (about the promotion race), we all hear people talking about what we might or might not need. It doesn’t come up at the training ground, though. Everyone here knows there is still work to be done.

“And if we do get to where we want to be, it will continue after that. Because that (desire) is in me, it is in the group and I honestly think it is in our supporters, too.”

United’s 3-2 victory at Oxford United in their last outing a week ago continued a fine run of form for Billy Sharp. His two goals at the Kassam Stadium took his personal tally to 26 for the season.

“The captain has been outstanding,” added Wilder about his top scorer. “I can’t praise him enough. I like him as a lad, too. He is just a decent kid.

ON TARGET: Sheffield United's Billy Sharp celebrates scoring against Oxford. Picture: Robin Parker/Sportimage

“He has possibly got the biggest CV in the dressing room, but he is grounded. He is constantly texting the lads, telling them what we have got to do and getting them all together. He feels the responsibility because he is local.

“You see that because, when he scores, everyone is around him, and when somebody else scores, Billy is always around them.”

Sharp’s double at Oxford means he is just two goals away from reaching the career milestone of 200.

Wilder added: “Billy’s told you he’s not bothered about that, has he? Do you believe him?”

Last six games: Swindon Town LDWWLL Sheffield United WDDWDW.

Referee: O Langford (West Midlands).

Last time: Swindon Town 0 Sheffield United 2; August 29, 2015; League One.