A potentially season-defining encounter awaits Sheffield United this Saturday as they travel to Turf Moor to take on bottom-placed Burnley.
Just one point separates the two newly-promoted teams with both sides desperately needing a win in their fight for Premier League survival.
United sit 18th with one win from 13 league games and the worst defensive record in the top flight, a run of form that has left manager Paul Heckingbottom’s job at serious risk.
When asked whether he felt under pressure, Heckingbottom said: “No, I’ve spoken with Stephen [Bettis, club CEO], and there’s been no different conversations. There’s pressure from ourselves, because we want to win.”
The Blades had been building some momentum before the international break thanks to a stoppage-time victory over Wolves and an away draw with Brighton, before a disappointing 3-1 loss to Bournemouth last weekend.
United are now four points adrift from safety and cannot afford a consecutive defeat that would see Burnley leapfrog them in the table.
Heckingbottom clarified that defender Anel Ahmedhodzic and striker Oli McBurnie were much closer to full fitness after the latter said the pair were off the pace against Bournemouth following their return from injury.
United will be up against a familiar face this weekend as Sander Berge plays against the Blades for the first time since leaving Bramall Lane for Burnley in a £12m transfer in August.
The sale of a star player to a relegation rival caused controversy among fans at the time, with the transfer indicating the club’s weakened financial position, a situation that Heckingbottom is all too aware of.
The manager said: “Burnley have gone out and signed 15 players for £100m, we couldn’t do that.”
“We can’t hide away from what a body blow [losing Berge] was.”
Home side Burnley are without a win since 3rd October and find themselves in a similarly endangered position despite significant investment this summer.
Manager Vincent Kompany will be hoping his persistence with a more adventurous style of play will finally pay off and see his side replicate their 2-0 defeat of United when the sides last faced off in the Championship in April.
Kick-off is at 3pm tomorrow at Turf Moor.
