Can the Blades build upon their FA Cup success?

Credit: Sky Sports

Sheffield United will be hoping to use their progression in the FA Cup as a catalyst to aid their bid for Premier League survival.

Chris Wilder secured his long-awaited 100th win as Blades boss on Saturday, as his side beat an in-form Bristol Rovers team at the Memorial Stadium.

There was a total of 181 days between win number 99 and 100 for the English manager, with the previous triumph dating all the way back to July when Wilder masterminded a 3-0 victory over Chelsea.

United were made to fight for their place in the Fourth Round as they squandered their lead on two separate occasions, either side of half time. Former Derby County starlet Jayden Bogle netted the winner shortly after the hour mark to send them through.

The Blades currently occupy the bottom spot in the Premier League, amassing an extremely disappointing two points so far this campaign.

However, they will be looking to showcase their new-found character and goal-scoring form against fellow strugglers Newcastle.

The Magpies narrowly lost their Third Round FA Cup tie to a strong Arsenal side. The poor result extended their winless run to seven games in all competitions, piling the pressure on manager Steve Bruce.

The northern outfit must be cautious, as a loss to United would see them lose ground on the cluster of teams ahead of them. Bruce’s men would also see themselves edge closer and closer to the drop zone, putting his job in a very precarious position.

Sheffield United’s goalscoring form needs to be addressed rapidly if they are to have any chance of surviving the drop. The Blades have netted only eight times this season, 14 goals fewer than they had at this point last season.

Striking reinforcements have to be top of Wilder’s January wish list if they are going to make up ground on their rivals, as their current attacking options have been nothing short of disappointing.

20-year-old Rhian Brewster provoked excitement amongst the Sheffield United fanbase after the club paid a record £23.5 million to secure his services. The English youngster has seen his value significantly deteriorate since the big-money move, after failing to score in each of his 13 appearances this season.

Furthermore, Lys Mousset has also failed to score, and first-choice striker Oli McBurnie’s season has been plagued by injuries. Despite being United’s leading goalscorer with four goals to his name, David McGoldrick has been unable to win games for his side by himself.

However, youngster Bogle has looked promising since his debut goal away at Brighton before Christmas.  The 20-year-old could prove to be the shining light in Tuesday’s crucial encounter at Bramall Lane, and give Blades fans some long-awaited hope that anything is possible.

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