Sheffield United defender sees 'big opportunity' to bounce back in Leeds United clash

CHRIS Basham says Sheffield United owe it to boss Chris Wilder to bounce back against Leeds United with the Blades defender eyeing a "big opportunity" against the Whites.
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The Blades stormed to a ninth-placed finish upon last season's Premier League return but Wilder's side are without a point two games into the new campaign with Monday night's 1-0 loss at Aston Villa following an opening day 2-0 reverse at home to Wolves.

The Steel City outfit endured a miserable evening at Villa Park on Monday with captain John Egan sent off for denying Ollie Watkins a clear goalscoring opportunity in the 12th minute.

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The Blades were then awarded a spot kick of their own later in the first half but John Lundstram's penalty was saved after Basham was fouled by Matt Target who received a yellow card when Wilder was certain he too should have seen red.

SPOT OF BOTHER: Sheffield United defender Chris Basham is caught by Aston Villa's Matt Targett for a penalty which the Blades then missed. Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images.SPOT OF BOTHER: Sheffield United defender Chris Basham is caught by Aston Villa's Matt Targett for a penalty which the Blades then missed. Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images.
SPOT OF BOTHER: Sheffield United defender Chris Basham is caught by Aston Villa's Matt Targett for a penalty which the Blades then missed. Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images.

Villa then bagged the only goal of the game through Ezri Konsa three minutes after the hour and Sunday's Yorkshire derby against Leeds at Bramall Lane is next.

"We're not used to losing games, so it hurts even more," Basham told the Sheffield Star.

"The manager is a honest man and he hates losing.

"He was disappointed at Villa, but it's up to us players to bounce back and support him, the staff and all the fans watching at home on their TV screens.

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"We've seen how good Leeds have been since they came into the Premier League, so it's a big game for us and a big opportunity."

Monday evening's clash at Villa Park saw both Oli Burke and Ethan Ampadu make their Premier League debuts for the Blades and Basham says there are plenty of positives with the defender backing Egan to produce the right response and also encouraged by his side's display in the 1-1 draw at Burnley in last week's EFL Cup tie which the Blades lost 5-4 on penalties.

Basham, though, will be suspended for Sunday's unless the Blades prove successful with any appeal.

Basham added: "Egs is a honest man, and he'll be looking to bounce back.

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"We've got loads of positives at the minute. The manager has done well in the transfer market and the strength showed against Burnley.

"Oli is a handful, he's a bit Jamie Vardy-esque in how difficult he is to play against, and Ethan came in and was solid as well.

"New players always bring a hunger into the team; the boys who were already here want to keep their spot, too.

"The business has been a big positive for the club."

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Thank you Laura Collins