- Leicester City are to face a spirited team with quality when Sheffield United visit King Power Stadium on Friday, according to Claude Puel
- Puel says his side must be ready to take on the 2016/17 League 1 champions
- A place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup is up for grabs
Ahead of the game, the Foxes boss underlined the Blades’ swift progression. After winning League 1 last term, Chris Wilder currently sees his side occupy eighth spot in the Championship, just three points off the play-offs.
Assessing their qualities, Puel believes there is potential for the South Yorkshire outfit to play in the Premier League next term and therefore, City must be at the top of their game on Friday.
“I think this team has good players,” said Puel. “For example, this team played last season in League 1. They move on and now for the first season in the Championship they play perhaps to move on into the Premier League.
“They have this possibility. It’s a strong team and powerful with good attributes in the Championship. They are comfortable with the ball and have ability and spirit on the pitch to give their best.
“I’m impressed that they are physical and powerful but also, they have quality and fighting spirit. They don’t like any games and they give their best in all situations. We need to be ready for this team.”
The Foxes beat Sheffield United 4-1 in the Carabao Cup back in August, but Puel knows Friday’s opponents have come a long way since the last meeting between the two sides.
He added: “I think it’s important to watch the last game because the team improved along the season.
“For me, Sheffield United is not the same team since the summer and for us it’s the same.
“It’s important to watch the games against Aston Villa and Leeds for example. It was a strong game. It’s a team with good quality and fighting spirit. They have good players and play football also. It will be a tough game.”