Neal Ardley is worried AFC Wimbledon’s clash with Sheffield United has come a couple of weeks too late.

The Blades are widely expected to fight for the League One title under Chris Wilder but made a rocky start to the campaign.

However, back-to-back victories over Oxford and Gillingham in their last two fixtures have kick-started their season ahead of tomorrow’s match at Kingsmeadow.

Dons boss Ardley watched United’s 2-1 win in Kent last Sunday and was impressed as Billy Sharp handed them their first win on the road this term.

“I was on my B licence with Chris 20 or so years ago and he is a good guy,” Ardley told Dons Player of the Blades boss.

“He did a wonderful job at Northampton last season, but now he is in transition and so too are Sheffield United.

Focused: Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder looks on

“They have to get used to the way Chris wants to play. His teams are always attacking, high tempo, and sometimes it will take time.

“We might be playing them at the wrong time because they are on the back of a couple of wins.

“They have built their confidence and I thought they were excellent last week against Gillingham.”

Ardley has had a full week to prepare his team for the visit of Sheffield United and has now received international clearance for defensive recruit Chris Robertson.

Robertson will be desperate to make his debut having risen through the ranks at Bramall Lane at the start of his football career.

Che Adams of Sheffield United
One positive: Che Adams was sold to Birmingham so won't face the Dons

“For the first time I’ve noticed the lads looking over their shoulders and thinking, ‘everyone is fit and training well’,” Ardley added.

“Obviously, that is my dilemma. All they can do is train hard and do their bit. They have not knocked on my door yet, but they are probably thinking it on the training field.

“We’ve had a good week and it’s nice to have a Saturday to Saturday between games, especially when you have won a match.

“We know it’s going to get busy again at the back end of September/start of October.”

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