'Ridiculous' - Sheffield United manager hits out at Championship chiefs ahead of Sunderland clash

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has called the quick turnaround of games at the top of the Championship 'ridiculous' as he prepares to take on Sunderland in a crunch promotion battle. The Blades went top of the table with a 3-0 win over Oxford United on Tuesday night, leapfrogging Sunderland who were held to a 0-0 draw at home to West Bromwich Albion.

The two teams, along with Leeds United, are leading the way at the top of the Championship. And as three big clubs in the division, they are attractive to TV companies wanting to show their games.

The Blades and Sunderland are back in action on Friday night at Bramall Lane, which will be their third game in just six games. Wilder insists his side can cope but admits it is 'not ideal' for either club.

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“The turnaround of games is ridiculous,” Wilder said. “And I do understand it, the teams that people want to see or are in and around the top four or five will be the ones who gets showcased but we're coming off a Saturday, to a Tuesday, to a Friday night yet again.

“I look at everyone else's fixtures and there's only maybe another one or two who have the turnaround we have to deal with. It's not ideal, not ideal for Sunderland and not ideal for us but we'll deal with it.”

Wilder shuffled his pack for the game against Oxford, deciding to rest a couple of players with the hectic schedule in mind. Femi Seriki and Sam McCallum replaced Alfie Gilchrist and Harrison Burrows in the starting XI and gave the manager further welcome selection dilemmas ahead of the clash with Regis Le Bris’ side.

“We thought it was a night for Sam and Femi, nothing against H and Alfie but it keeps them nice and fresh if we want to change it back for Friday night,” added Wilder. “Players got important minutes and all contributed to what was an important night for us.”