Sheffield United plan for Burton and Barnsley as Paul Heckingbottom sends Watford message

Paul Heckingbottom's focus will change for tonight's match at Burton and tomorrow's trip to Barnsley. And so too will their preparations.

Up to now, the emphasis had been on fitness and although there have been concerning elements of their play in the last two matches, in particular at the back having shipped six goals, he has been concerned more about the players' physical levels.

That will change, starting tonight.

Players have been told the spotlight is on performance levels and Heckingbottom will pick his side for Watford on the opening day based on these two matches.

To give players the best chance of performing, they will also prepare differently. Some of the previous friendlies have taken place following intense morning training sessions and running as part of the fitness build-up. Now, preparation will be how it would be if these two matches were league fixtures.

Explaining what he wants to see from his Sheffield United players in these two matches, Heckingbottom explained: "I want to see habits. Results aren't important. They are not, they really aren't.

"We know we have two games day after each other, so if we are thinking about results we wouldn't be doing that. It's how we want to play.

"If you look at the goals against Mansfield, there are certain parts of the defending that you don't want to see. If you see it it affects the team and the chances of someone playing against Watford. That's the emphasis shift.

"We won't be running them before the game, there won't be double sessions and heavy sessions now before we play those games. It will be preparing right Thursday for Friday and preparing right Friday for Saturday.

"We have done a lot of hard work, the players, credit to them, have bought into it and