Five games which could define Sheffield United’s promotion hopes   | OneFootball

Another thrilling battle for automatic promotion is on the cards in the Championship, and Sheffield United are firmly in the mix with just under half of the season remaining.

The Blades are just one point above Leeds United after the Blades defeated Norwich City 2-0 at Bramall Lane. Burnley and Leeds United are in touching distance, while Sunderland are only four points adrift of the top spot.

The oddsmakers at Betway are backing Chris Wilder’s side to secure a return to the Premier League, rating them as 8/15 shots to clinch promotion at the end of the season.

While there will likely be plenty of twists and turns in the promotion race over the next few months, five key games could determine whether the Blades get the job done.

Middlesbrough (H) – February 12

Middlesbrough are one of several teams challenging for a play-off place and they will be eager to take something from their upcoming visit to Bramall Lane.

Michael Carrick’s side triumphed 1-0 in the reverse fixture in October, with Emmanuel Latte Lath’s goal proving to be the difference between the two sides.

Sheffield United will be the bookmakers’ favourites to gain revenge on home soil, but they would be well-advised not to take the north east side lightly.

Leeds United (H) – February 24

Having taken just three points from their four meetings against their main promotion rivals this season, United will be desperate to improve on that record.

They suffered a 2-0 defeat against Leeds United at Elland Road earlier in the season and cannot afford another reverse as they battle to secure automatic promotion.

Leeds have previously demonstrated a weak mindset when placed under pressure and the Blades must do whatever it takes to win this Yorkshire derby.

Sheffield Wednesday (A) – March 15

Tyrese Campbell netted the winner in the first Steel City derby of the season in November and United will be keen to complete the double at Hillsborough.

However, Wednesday have subsequently worked their way into contention for a play-off place and will view this as an opportunity to secure a statement result.

United have won two and drawn three of their last five league meetings with Wednesday, which should give them confidence ahead of their next clash.

Burnley (A) – April 21

Goals from Josh Brownhill and Zian Flemming earned Burnley a hard-fought 2-0 victory at Bramall Lane on Boxing Day.

United were the better side in the first half, but the Clarets took their chances in a ten-minute spell either side of the break to claim a valuable victory.

Scott Parker’s side have been a tough nut to crack at Turf Moor this season and a draw would not be the worst outcome for the Blades on this occasion.

Blackburn Rovers (H) – May 3

United claimed a 2-0 victory at Blackburn Rovers in early November and subsequently received plenty of plaudits for their performance.

Blackburn manager John Eustace paid tribute to the Blades after the game, admitting that his team were unable to match the quality they possessed.

Rovers have done well to keep themselves in play-off contention since the defeat, but this could be the game where Wilder’s side secures an automatic return to the Premier League.