Sheffield United are without a fixture this weekend due to Chesterfield's involvement in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final against Danny Wilson's former club Swindon Town - we wish our near rivals luck! Performances, and particularly results have been put under scrutiny since the Steel City Derby defeat on 26 February - since that defeat the Blades have won just three matches in seven games and as a result a precious points gap has been reduced.
The impressive 5-2 win at Meadow Lane on Tuesday night was met by a bonus result at Hillsborough which saw Walsall draw 2-2 in a game that most would have expected a 'banker' home win for the Owls. Our next three games will prove massively important and maximum points (9) will steer the promotion ship comfortably. The Blades face Chesterfield next Wednesday (28) at Bramall Lane before traveling to Hartlepool United (31 March) three days later; they then face Bournemouth (7 April) at the Lane with all three matches potentially 'winnable.'
Whilst the Blades take a weekend break from the beautiful game this weekend we are sure that Sheffield Wednesday, hot on our heels will be keen to close down a two point gap and could go second with a win at Leyton Orient this weekend. They then face difficult opposition in Preston North End (31 March) at Hillsborough and a trip to Huddersfield Town (7 April) in games which could see them take only five points from three games.
A draw against the Saddlers may have seemed like a defeat but the Owls haven't lost since that win over United which may give them the confidence ahead of these crunch matches.