Pundit shares why he was ‘delighted’ by Sheffield United amid ‘pressure’ demand ahead of Burnley clash

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Sheffield United won 2-0 against Cardiff City but it was not enough to cut the gap to Burnley and Leeds United after both of their promotion rivals also claimed victory.

It was a vital win amid a ‘worrying’ week for the Blades and Chris Wilder last week, following three consecutive losses in the Championship. Wilder has hit out at his critics recently but his side got the job done against a Cardiff side that posed some problems.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LeedsLeeds	43	26	13	4	83	29	54	91
2	BurnleyBurnley	43	25	16	2	59	14	45	91
3	Sheff UtdSheffield Utd	43	27	7	9	59	33	26	86
4	SunderlandSunderland	43	21	13	9	58	40	18	76
5	Bristol CityBristol City	43	17	16	10	56	46	10	67
6	CoventryCoventry	43	19	9	15	61	54	7	66

Gus Hamer starred yet again to ensure their win after numerous neutrals and pundits alike backed a Sheffield United victory after a difficult week for the club. Their promotion hopes still hang by a thread but Monday’s visit to Turf Moor could put the pressure on and swing the momentum in their direction.

That is exactly what Sky Sports pundits are hoping for Wilder’s side, who has not had things all his way recently. The Blades boss had every right to feel aggrieved at recent EFL decisions ahead of the Cardiff game, for example.

• READ MORE: EFL experts back Sheffield United play-off win despite ‘tinpot’ Chris Wilder behaviour verdict

Sky Sports studio discuss Burnley vs Sheffield United

Former Leeds striker Michael Bridges spoke to David Prutton in the Sky Sports studio to provide his thoughts on Sheffield United. He said: “They’re under massive pressure now because of Burnley and Leeds both winning.

“Now on Monday, it’s so much more interesting. I’m delighted that Sheffield United got the result today for Wilder and the team.

“Just to keep it interesting for that Monday going in to the end of the season, but I was even more delighted that Leeds got the win, obviously.”

Prutton turned to Jobi McAnuff and asked about Opta’s figures: “Your thoughts/interpretation of that if you’re a player in Sheffield United’s colours. If you’re Chris Wilder, what would you take out of that?”

McAnuff added: “You know how it is. They have got to go and win on Monday, it’s as simple as that. I don’t think you need them to show what an uphill task it’s going to be.

“I think, regardless of what happens, they just need to finish this season strong if they are going to end up in the play-offs — which it looks like is the most likely outcome for them.

“You want to be arriving there in decent form, in a positive mindset, where they haven’t been lately. Again, if they could have a really good go and crack at that on Monday, all the pressure will be [on Burnley] — we talk about that a lot; where is the pressure?

“The pressure would be on Burnley to go and get the job done. Because they should do, given the position they’re in. All of a sudden, Sheff U win that, and that computer will have stats that will be slightly different.”

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Burnley and Sheffield United’s star attackers will be vital to Monday showdown

The Blades and Burnley have some of the best players in the Championship, and the game could come down to which match-winners show up that afternoon.

Hamer has that ability, as does Josh Brownhill. Man-for-man it may come down to who gets the most out on the pitch between Chris Wilder and Scott Parker.

Sheffield United need it more and will have to take risks but both teams approach games in a similar way in terms of how they ordinarily keep things tight first and foremost.

The Blades will need to take the handbrake off and go for it against a Burnley side who have conceded just 14 goals all season, and never more than one in any league game this year.

It’s a tall order but a win would shift the pressure, as Bridges and McAnuff have alluded to.