Sheffield United are looking to do what Leeds couldn’t, and win at St. Andrews against Birmingham City on Wednesday night.
The Blades leapfrogged Leeds into second place on Saturday with a 1-0 win away at Preston, bouncing back from their disappointing 3-2 defeat to Bristol City the weekend before.
Leeds took the initiative back on Tuesday evening with a 2-0 win at Deepdale which saw Marcelo Bielsa's men move back into second spot, as the nail-biting battle for promotion looks set to go right down to the wire.
Barry Douglas is out for the rest of the season for Leeds, while Pablo Hernandez shook off a knock to the ankle to play the full 90 minutes at Preston.
Gary Madine is available for Chris Wilder’s side once again, having served a three-match suspension. They also have few injury issues to contend with, with a near fully-fit squad available for the final month.
Here are the issues affecting Sheffield United are shaping up for the run-in:
Jack O’Connell (Calf)
The famously durable centre-half, who had recently made it 100 consecutive appearances for the Blades, was a shock omission for Saturday’s trip to Preston after suffering a calf injury against Bristol City the week before.
But he’s in line to return against Birmingham and should be fit for the rest of the run-in.
“If he’s fit and comes through training, then he’ll be involved,” said Wilder.
Mark Duffy (Achilles)
The experienced 33-year-old had been struggling with an Achilles complaint but was fit enough to return against Preston on Saturday, completing 78 minutes.
The midfielder is a trusted player of Wilder’s. His timely return is a boost as the season enters the most important stage.
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