Chris Wilder Previews Struggling Cardiff City vs High-Flying Sheffield United; Talks Squad Depth & January Plans | OneFootball

Sheffield United travel to the Welsh capital this Saturday to face an out-of-form Cardiff City at the Cardiff City Stadium. Both teams find themselves at opposite ends of the spectrum, with Cardiff battling to avoid relegation and the Blades surging toward promotion, currently top of the league.

Cardiff City’s recent form has been concerning, with the team winless in their last seven matches. Their latest outing, a 2-2 draw against Stoke City, highlighted their defensive frailties as they conceded a last-gasp equaliser in the 95th minute. This run of poor results has left the Bluebirds in 21st place, teetering just one point above the relegation zone.

In stark contrast, Sheffield United are riding high at the top of the table. Unbeaten in their last 10 matches, they secured a 2-0 win over Plymouth Argyle last weekend to extend their lead to three points over second-placed Leeds United. Manager Chris Wilder has built a squad that combines resilience and adaptability, with players quickly adjusting to his new system which has only been in place since the summer.

CARDIFF, WALES – DECEMBER 11: Jordan Storey of Preston North End is put under pressure by Callum Robinson of Cardiff City during the Sky Bet Championship match between Cardiff City FC and Preston North End FC at Cardiff City Stadium on December 11, 2024 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder Previews Trip to Cardiff City

Sheffield United will be without Femi Seriki and Tyrese Campbell once again due to injuries. However, the return of Anel Ahmedhodzic and Vinicius Souza is a significant boost, with both expected to feature in the matchday squad, per Chris Wilder.

Wilder spoke about the squad depth being tested in his recent press conference, he said: “We’re getting stretched a little bit at the moment and my view is we obviously need to strengthen. Not massively. Conservatively I would say, with a touch of experience, because I think we need that. Hopefully, we’ll have the ability to affect that [in January].”

Wilder acknowledged the ongoing noise surrounding the club’s potential takeover but suggested the deal is close to completion having previously remained tight-lipped on the subject. He stated, “I live in the city so I think we all understand the noise about it; it’s getting pretty close. We’ll wait and see…”

Meanwhile, with the Blades sitting pretty at the top of the table as we head into the festive period despite a two-point deduction to start the season, some supporters have now begun to raise their expectations of United. “The expectation level has gone up. We’re happy with that because we’re winning games of football and that’s my job”, Wilder commented. “The build is still 6 months into the build. That’s what I still look at. We’re still learning about one another. New players are learning about me and I’m learning about them. We’re learning a different system…Can we keep nudging it up?”, he added.

Focusing on the next test at hand for Sheffield United, Wilder discussed the challenges that Cardiff City have to offer on Saturday afternoon. “You look at the group that is there and the players the manager has got to pick from. We know Callum Robinson and he’s not getting a game. Some other big name players who aren’t getting a game. They might play Saturday; I’m not picking the team for the manager but you look through the team and they’ve got some really quality players. There was obviously an upturn in fortune a bit back. They’re a very attack minded team; it’s very much possession-based and attacking.”