Head Coach Chris Wilder has urged his players to provide an emphatic response to the defeat at Queens Park Rangers last time out, with the visit of Birmingham City just three days on providing the perfect chance for the Hornets to make amends.
Following that 1-0 loss at Loftus Road (Saturday March 11) in his opening game in charge of the club, Wilder is demanding more from his squad and he believes that with two home games coming up in quick succession there is all to play for.
Starting with Birmingham City tomorrow night (Tuesday March 14, 7.45pm KO), the boss trusts that analysis of the frustrating result in west London will be key in driving a move forward.
“Reflection is always key and you have to quickly reflect, and as I said after [QPR] we have to turn our attention to Tuesday night’s game,” Wilder began.
“I trust my eyes and what I saw on Saturday, so nothing really changes. We had a chat yesterday with the players and we have to move on quickly. It’s at that stage in the season where we can’t dwell. It was disappointing on the whole after an encouraging first three days, but we have to get ourselves going.
“There are certain pieces that we have analysed over the weekend and we are looking forward to tomorrow. We have to move on quickly.
“We have an opportunity to put it right and it’s a big week for us. Everyone talks about reactions. Can we play better than we did on Saturday? Most certainly, and hopefully that will give us an opportunity to get that result we are after.
“I’m one of those guys who has to lead from the front. This my football club for the remaining games we have got, and I’ll do my best to help those players. It was bright in training today, and we are looking forward to hopefully getting ourselves going for a big game. I look at these next two home games as two big opportunities, respecting the opposition.”
Ahead of the fixture against the Blues, Wilder acknowledged that Hamza Choudhury will miss the match - having now picked up 10 yellow cards this season - but Ismaïla Sarr is expected to be involved despite being substituted as a precaution at QPR.
He continued: “There are a couple of knocks that we are assessing, and of course we have lost Hamza Choudhury due to suspension which is a blow.
“That will open it up for someone else to come in and stake a claim. I know a little bit about the boys, but every opportunity is a chance to impress. It’s up to one of the players to take that and hopefully they will do.
“He [Sarr] felt something so we have assessed it over the last few days and fingers crossed he will be involved. It was more of a precaution, and I won’t risk keeping someone out on the pitch to lose them for four or five games. We looked at that and he felt some tightness in his hamstring, but hopefully he will be ready for Tuesday night.”
Focusing on opponents Birmingham, Wilder is certain that John Eustace’s side will provide a tough challenge following their 2-0 victory over Rotherham United on Saturday.
He added: “They will be looking for the same again. They will be looking for that consistency in their performances and results. They have had some wins and defeats, and it’s natural for where they are in the division.
“Even though we aren’t where we want to be, we are still a target and it’s a big game for everyone who comes to Vicarage Road. They are looking at a team steeped in Premier League history, that has some big-name players, and they will look to do what QPR did to us. We have to be ready for that challenge.”
