Football News: Do cup heroics affect league form adversely?

You have no doubt heard the saying 'after the Lord Mayor's show' before. To me it sums up exactly the problem Sheffield United have got in each league match from now until the end of the season, whether they go out of both cups in the next match or not.

It is going to be very difficult for Nigel Clough to lift the players for league games after all the cup heroics. The best hope the younger Clough has of maintaining player focus, at least in the short term, is for the team to remain in at least one cup competition. Then he has the carrot of a place in the cup team to dangle in front of the players.

The problem with that is the risk of tiredness, injuries and suspensions weakening the team at such a vital stage of the season. In terms of this season's form, there is no perfect solution for a lower league team, as there is not the depth of squad to cope with all the games.

It is likely that the Blades will just have to accept sneaking into the play offs, at best, this season, after a mini slump following them dropping out of the cups. The money brought in should ensure that, even if they fail in the play offs, they should have the ability to mount a big challenge next season.

Written by Tris Burke January 26 2015 12:40:41