Sheffield United

Burnley v Sheffield United is a big, big game. Both sides desperately need to get a result, but there is still hope for both teams in the relegation fight.

They have to realise that they can get a run of fixtures at any point. The saving grace is Everton’s big points deduction. At that point, you have to say they have a chance and are back in it. Luton Town are picking up results and Bournemouth are sneaking away, but everything is still around at the moment and nobody is relegated yet.

Both Vincent Kompany and Paul Heckingbottom are still in their jobs because everybody in the two football clubs sees exactly what they are like. They see how much work they put in, their aura around the training ground, how they conduct themselves.

I know both of them and I see their work ethic. They have good staff, good understanding with the players and that is the reason.

Clubs are trying their best with longevity to continue the journey they are on. That’s the reason they haven’t gone and they believe they can take the club forward.

But things can change at any moment and you are never safe.

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Burnley and Sheffield United meet on Saturday having picked up just one win each in the Premier League this season - but the pressure on each manager appears to be different.

Podcasters Natalie Bromley and Phil Ridley tell The Football News Show what the future could hold for Vincent Kompany and Paul Heckingbottom, and why the outcome of this game is more crucial for the Blades boss.

Watch The Football News Show on BBC iPlayer

Katie Catherall, BBC Sport

Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom has been speaking to the media before his side face Burnley on Saturday.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On the role that fans play in motivating the team: "Our fans have been great, they're good at home and away. Fans know the importance they play at home, we want to make it a tough place to come."

• Heckingbottom said it is important to "keep momentum going", even when of the squad are injured.

• On games after the international break: "Everyone is asking if the international break was at a good time – there's arguments go both ways. It comes at the time when you know it will, we have to plan for that and get the most out of the boys. We did what we could to get everyone ready for the Bournemouth game."

• On tactic changes after the defeat to Bournemouth: "We dropped below our standards, we were too sloppy. We won't win games in this league like that. We worked, the effort was there, we ran further than them, the furthest distance we've covered this season. But we gave the ball away too much and we got that wrong."

• Heckingbottom confirmed that Rhys Norrington-Davies has been in training: "Day by day we'll increase what he does, he's on his own programme and using us when he needs. What he needs is football, so we're testing and training."

• On Oli McBurnie's return: "He benefited from that 45 mins of play but you could see he'd been out. He's had another week of training which is good - he's in a much better place this week."

• Heckingbottom was asked if he is facing pressure from the board to secure a victory: "No different conversations to normal. There's pressure from us because we want to win. I expect us to go out and win. We do it our way, Burnley have spent money, but while they were spending we used our academy and worked hard."

• On having to regularly change the squad: "We’ve changed every game because we’ve had to, I'd love to get some consistency and start working with the same group of players every week on the training ground. Unfortunately one of our issues is there’s been too many enforced changes, whether that’s selling players, recruiting late, getting injuries, we need that to settle down."

• On expectations against Burnley: "We expect to win games. We put in work on the training ground. We're still in the same league as them so it shows we’re doing things right and we’ll continue to think that way."

• On facing Vincent Kompany: "Kompany is still sticking to his principles, he's finding it more difficult, it's a more difficult league. While there’s been a slight change in his shape he’s tried to stick to his principles and play the same way."

This is BBC Sport's dedicated Sheffield United page. Hit the bell icon on the app to receive notifications or press 'Follow' if you are on a browser to bookmark the page.

• Burnley have won four of their past five home league games against Sheffield United (D1), beating them 2-0 at Turf Moor in the Championship last season.

• The Blades have never lost a Premier League game against sides starting the day bottom of the table (W4 D7) - their last being a 1-1 draw with Fulham in October 2020.

• Clarets winger Luca Koleosho has had more touches in the opposition box than any other player who is yet to score in the Premier League this season (48).

• Sheffield United have lost 25 of their past 30 Premier League away games (W2 D3).

• Burnley have lost all seven of their Premier League home games this season and could become the first team in English Football League history to lose their first eight in a campaign.

Only once in the past 10 years have we waited until the new year before the first managerial sacking in the Premier League. So with no bosses getting the boot so far in 2023-24, what is going on?

Former Blackpool and Crystal Palace boss Ian Holloway tells The Football News Show that teams coming up with a distinctive style is contributing to the low attrition rate and adds why he believes longevity is beneficial for all clubs.

Watch The Football News Show on BBC iPlayer

Image source, Getty Images

Former Sheffield United defender Phil Jagielka has announced his retirement from football at the age of 41.

The Englishman, who played for Stoke as recently as last season, played for the Blades for seven years, as well as making 40 appearances for England.

“All good things come to an end and after just over 800 appearances my playing career is done," Jagielka said on Instagram.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would get to play football at the highest level for some amazing clubs as well as my country.

“It’s been an absolute honour to step onto the grass for every match and I have so many people to thank for that.

"I would like to thank every player, manager, coach, member of staff and fan who has played their part in my long football journey. I'll be forever grateful for your "