Sheffield United take on Brighton and Hove Albion today looking to avoid a repeat of the 5-2 hammering the cup a few weeks ago.
The Seagulls were too good for United that day and while two penalties helped their cause, they never really looked like losing against the Blades.
For Chris Wilder, that result has left question marks over which we he goes with his team selection and tactics today.
However, while tactics and the players picked will play a part, United can also hope to draw on a strong team spirit, formed by relationships on and off the pitch.
And speaking about his own players, Wilder has admitted he recently saw a number of his squad taking time out together off the field.
“There’s 25, 30 characters and you don’t expect them all to get on but you expect respect. If they do form relationships, football relationships and relationships off the pitch, I’d encourage that. I should imagine the majority of times if they go for a coffee (together) they’ll be talking about what they can do right, what they need to improve on and they’re most probably talking about football as well,” Wilder said.
“Recently I drove up Ecclesall Road and went into Costa Coffee and there were about 10 or 11 boys in the corner having a coffee together. For me that’s great, If they’re together as a group off the pitch, you’ve got more chance of them being together on the pitch as well”
Team spirit is always a huge factor at Sheffield United
Over the course of history, certainly in the last few decades, Sheffield United have always had success when the team is a tight knit group.
This goes back to Dave Bassett being in charge in the 90s, to Neil Warnock getting us back to the Premier League in 2006, and then to Wilder bringing us back to life from 2016 onwards.
It’s what makes Sheffield United a force to be reckoned with and it’s something that the fans get firmly onside with when it becomes apparent.
This current group doesn’t quite have the feel of some of those from days gone by. But Wilder is clearly working at it and this small example here is a good sign.
Hopefully, the players can start putting it to good use and using that bond to grind out big results on the field.