Sheffield United manager, Paul Heckingbottom, has once again reiterated his belief that Nottingham Forest will be nervous come tomorrow night’s clash.
Forest were the better team at Bramall Lane on Saturday and took a 2-1 lead into the second-leg, as Sander Berge headed in late to give United more hope than had looked likely.
For Steve Cooper’s side, the counter-attacking threat from his team was key to their success. United boss Heckingbottom has banged on about that threat ever since, as well as how much a difference Berge’s late goal has made to proceedings.
And speaking today ahead of travelling to the City Ground, Heckingbottom once again rammed how Forest will be feeling on edge in front of their home fans.
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“We have to go there and win, as I say. But whenever the game is 2-1 down at the City Ground, it suits us. You know, the longer the game goes on, the edginess, that type of thing. If there’s still a two goal deficit, then we’re on the front foot a lot earlier,” Heckingbottom told his pre-match presser.
“So yeah, from that aspect, it certainly suits the away team that bit better. It means we don’t need to go chasing as early. There’s always an edgy moment in the game.”
Our View: Sheffield United Need To Take Big Moments Against Forest
There wasn’t too many clear-cut chances for United at the weekend. In the big moments when we got in the box, we failed to produce the killer pass and create. However, those moments were there, so it’s not all doom and gloom.
Added to that, Forest’s goalkeeper was at sixes and sevens a few times. He was nowhere to be seen when John Egan had a header off the line, and once again went missing for Berge’s late goal.
However, United need to ensure any chances or half chances that come along are taken. Keeping Forest at bay is going to be hard enough, without missing our own opportunities. At the end of the day, United need to score, and potentially score two or three, to progress.
The Blades will need more from the likes of Ndiaye and Gibbs-White, while if they can have Billy Sharp back on the bench, it could give the entire dressing room a lift.
