Self-belief is essential - Warnock

Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock is demanding his players start believing in themselves to have any hope of avoiding the drop.

The Blades face a critical few days as they take on the only two teams below them in the Premiership, Tuesday night's game at Watford followed by Charlton's visit to Bramall Lane on Saturday. United have scored just one goal and taken four points from seven matches on their travels and Warnock knows it is a record his side must improve on.

He said: "If we started taking our chances and believing in ourselves more then we might start winning away. But you have to remember we are playing at the top level, so I can't fault the lads."

United's lost 1-0 at West Ham on Saturday while Adrian Boothroyd's side had the luxury of a free weekend.

"They didn't play so they will be fresh," added Warnock. "They are also a physical side so we will have to stand up and be counted, but the lads are looking forward to it and they know we have to start scoring goals.

"But whoever loses it will be a massive blow, so in our position we have to go for the three points."

After losing to the Hammers Warnock is now demanding six points from the next two matches, adding: "These games aren't do or die, but they are obviously important.

"Once a gap starts developing then it becomes much harder to close in the Premier League so everybody at this club knows how vital these two games are.

"Getting a result against Watford is especially important after losing on Saturday.

"No disrespect, but playing Watford and Charlton is better than playing Manchester United and Arsenal because it means we have a chance."