Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has set his sights on a respectable points milestone as the Blades prepare for their final fixture of the 2025/26 Sky Bet Championship season. The team travels across the East Midlands to face Derby County at Pride Park on Saturday afternoon, bringing the curtain down on what has been a challenging campaign.
For Derby County, the stakes couldn't be higher. The Rams enter the final day sitting just one point behind both Wrexham and Hull City, with a place in the play-offs still within reach. A victory, combined with favorable results elsewhere, could complete a dramatic late surge into the top six. Their momentum was perfectly captured last weekend, when an 88th-minute winner against Queens Park Rangers kept their promotion hopes alive and set up a compelling final-day showdown.
In contrast, Sheffield United arrive with little but pride left to play for. Another disappointing performance at Bramall Lane, culminating in a defeat to Preston North End after conceding three goals, has summed up a frustrating end to the season. Wilder has made little attempt to hide his dissatisfaction in recent weeks, openly criticizing performances and making it clear that significant changes are expected in the summer.
Despite the lack of pressure in terms of league position, Wilder has set a clear target for his side: reaching the 60-point mark. Reflecting on the campaign, he acknowledged that while progress has been made in certain areas, the team has fallen short of expectations. "It will be a respectable total," Wilder said, emphasizing the importance of finishing the season on a positive note and building momentum for the summer rebuild ahead.
Derby's preparations have been slightly complicated by injury concerns. Former Blade Rhian Brewster remains a doubt as he continues his recovery from a knee issue, while Patrick Agyemang is sidelined with an Achilles problem. Bobby Clark is also being assessed after a hamstring strain, and Sammie Szmodics could face a late fitness test after being forced off in their recent win.
United have their own selection issues to contend with. Kalvin Phillips and Andre Brooks are both expected to miss out again, with Wilder confirming he will not take risks on players ahead of the summer. Brooks, who has been one of the standout performers this season, will sit out after a minor knee injury sustained in training.
As the Championship season reaches its dramatic conclusion, all eyes will be on Pride Park. For Derby, it's a chance to write a fairy-tale ending to their season. For Sheffield United, it's an opportunity to show pride, fight for that 60-point milestone, and lay the groundwork for a stronger push next year. Whatever the result, one thing is certain: this final-day clash promises plenty of drama.