Erwin - We're up for a battle

THAT'LL DO NICELY . . . Lee Erwin celebrates his goal at Peterborough last weekend

SHEFFIELD United have been promised a major fight to get the points they need to bolster their title chances.

In front of what could well be a crowd of around 9,000 - which would be Athletic's biggest at home since the FA Cup fifth-round tie against Everton drew in 9,473 fans in 2013 - in-form striker Lee Erwin is not short on belief that his side can upset the favourites for Sky Bet League One's leading prize.

The much-talked-about pitch conditions won't assist the style of play of Chris Wilder's side, the Scot argues.

And with only one defeat in the last nine games at SportsDirect.com Park, he is far more focused on Athletic's task tomorrow rather than worrying about the fortunes of Port Vale inside the bottom-four.

"I am confident, definitely," said eight-goal top scorer Erwin, who is looking to embellish a recent record of four in as many appearances.

"We are three points clear and just need to look after ourselves.

DIFFICULT

"Any game is difficult and you look at Sheffield United and the fact they are trying to win the league.

"So it will be tough, but out there on that park I don't think they will be up to much and they won't want to play us on there.

"They like to get the ball down and play but I highly doubt it out there on that park.

"It will just turn into a battle."

Grateful to have a player alongside him to help win aerial duels, Erwin grants the beliefs of John Sheridan with helping him feature prominently in scoring positions.

That was apparent at Peterborough where, peeling off the left-sided centre-back, he met a flighted Ollie Banks pass with a smart right-footed volley that betrayed his increasing confidence in front of goal.

"All goals are good, but it was a nice one to get," on-loan Leeds man Erwin admitted.

"At the start of the season I was criticised for not getting into the box as often. The new gaffer has told me to find goals and stay in the box rather than chasing out wide.

"That's what I have been doing."

On the other side tomorrow is a man who has been prolific all season, Blades captain Billy Sharp.

Second only to Leeds striker Chris Wood (27) in all the top four divisions, Sharp is on 26 goals for the season and only two short of his landmark 200th career strike.

TRIBUTE

As his captain, Wilder was this week keen to pay tribute to his star man's overall contribution.

"He feels the responsibility because he's local," Wilder said. "You see that because, when he scores, everybody is around him. And when somebody else scores, Billy is always around them as well."