Chris Wilder hits back at Sheffield United critics with defiant message ahead of crucial weekend

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Sheffield United desperately need to get a win under their belt this weekend or their promotion dreams may be over, but Chris Wilder is refusing to give up.

The Blades looked well on track to secure the Championship title never mind promotion just a couple of weeks ago, but their season has been derailed by three successive defeats.

Losing to Oxford United, Millwall, and Plymouth Argyle has left Chris Wilder’s side five points adrift in third place with just four games to go.

Wilder will be hoping Cardiff City’s dismal record against the Blades continues on Friday night, as the Bluebirds travel to Bramall Lane with a mission of their own as they fight against relegation.

It’s a huge game for both teams, and Wilder has come out fighting with his comments prior to the game.

• READ MORE: Sheffield United could face yet another costly fine after FA respond to post-match Plymouth brawl

Chris Wilder’s rallying cry for Sheffield United after poor form

Speaking to the press this week (via the Yorkshire Post) ahead of the game against Cardiff, the Sheffield United manager addressed his rather intense team talk that took place on the pitch in the last game against Plymouth.

“I thought it was important,” he said. “It wasn’t a Phil Brown moment. It was a calm chat to say we have to take responsibility for three games where we’ve turned a really good position into a not so good one. We have to own and accept that we haven’t been good enough.”

Hitting back at his critics, Wilder refused to admit the Blades’ automatic promotion hunt was over, adding: “There’ll be a lot of people talking about our season being done and dusted, it’s not. We’ve given up an advantage, that’s all we’ve done.”

• READ MORE: Chris Wilder claim on Cardiff City ace didn’t come to fruition, the former Sheffield United man could come back to haunt them

Win or bust for Sheffield United vs Cardiff City

Sheffield United have been tipped to win the play-offs by some pundits, but judging by the Blades’ play-off record in the past, they’ll be eager to avoid that avenue at all costs.

In truth, if United lose this one against Cardiff, they can kiss automatic promotion goodbye. It’s very unlikely that both Leeds and Burnley will lose tomorrow night, with both firm favourites to grab away wins and keep up their own promotion charges.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LeedsLeeds	42	25	13	4	82	29	53	88
2	BurnleyBurnley	42	24	16	2	57	13	44	88
3	Sheff UtdSheffield Utd	42	26	7	9	57	33	24	83
4	SunderlandSunderland	42	21	13	8	57	38	19	76

It would be nothing short of a disaster, really, then for the Blades to drop points again, and the idea of losing four in a row is simply untinkable.

Of course, it’s an absolute must-win for Cardiff, too, who would lose serious ground in the Championship relegation battle if they can’t grab a victory. Still, the Bluebirds have been tipped to have a slight advantage away from home, and they could spring a surprise in the late kick-off.