Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom have said that both boxes is where it counts on Saturday as his Blades side host Fulham on the Championship final day.

United go into the fixture with their fate in their own hands, sitting 5th in the Championship standings and knowing that a victory would see them reach the play-offs.

Heckingbottom says that everything in between the two boxes on Saturday is "fluff" and that his side must be ruthless if they find themselves in control of the game.

“Both boxes, that where it counts." Heckingbottom explained, via The Star.

"Everything in between is just propaganda. It’s fluff."

“People who defend for their lives at one end of the pitch and are lethal at the other; that’s what gets you victories in football. That’s what gets you success.”

Any slip-up's from the Blades on Saturday could allow the likes of Millwall and Middlesbrough behind them a way into the top six and Fulham will certainly be no easy task.

 

 

Whilst it is true that the Cottagers were crowned champions on Monday and so technically have less to play for, Marco Silva's side will not want their impressive campaign to go out with a whimper.

Kick off between the two sides is set for 12:30pm on Saturday afternoon.

The Verdict

Paul Heckingbottom is really simplifying the game on Saturday here.

Perhaps it is an attempt to do so for his players, so as to not complicate their minds as they attempt to overcome their final hurdle in Fulham.

Fundamentally what he says is correct though, as the game could certainly be lost or won in either box on Saturday afternoon.

It's a tough task for Heckingbottom's Blades, but with their fate in their own hands, it is down to themselves, and themselves only, to get their play-off bid over the line.