Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder lamented the number of mistakes his players made in the 3-0 defeat to West Ham on Monday night.

The result leaves the Blades 14 points off safety with 14 games to go, and the hope of a great escape is fading week by week as they fail to pick up the victories they require.

In contrast, their next opponents, Fulham, are coming into Saturday’s game at Craven Cottage after picking up a win and two draws in their last three Premier League fixtures, so United will have a battle on their hands to secure the points they desperately need.

The Blades’ injury list lengthened after the West Ham loss, with John Egan having to be taken off in the closing stages with what looked like an ankle injury. The centre-back is expected to be sidelined for a while.

Wilder will also have to do without John Fleck (illness), Sander Berge (hamstring), Jack O’Connell (knee) and Jack Robinson for this weekend’s game.

Sheffield United’s Predicted XI To Face Fulham:

Ramsdale, Bogle, Basham, Jagielka, Ampadu, Stevens, Lundstram, Norwood, Osborn, McGoldrick, Sharp

Fulham boss Scott Parker currently has two players sidelined. He won’t be able to call upon Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is currently self-isolating after picking up the virus. Captain Tom Cairney has been ruled out with a knee injury. He’s been carrying the issue for a while and he is currently undergoing treatment to try and clear up the problem.

Fulham’s Predicted XI:

Areola, Aina, Andersen, Adarabioyo, Robinson, Loftus-Cheek, Reed, Lemina, Lookman, Reid, Maja

The bookmakers have made Fulham the favourites for this game, with Betfair pricing them at 5/4 for the win. A draw is currently 11/5 with Sky Bet, while a victory for the Blades is 13/5 at BetVictor.

Predicted Score – 1-0 to Fulham