Losing 3-0 to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals could have proven detrimental to Sheffield United ahead of such an occasion against West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday evening.
Nevertheless, Paul Heckingbottom’s side were able to do what was required to get over the line in the automatic promotion race, scoring twice after half time to post a 2-0 victory.
Having extended their recent run in the Championship to six wins in seven matches, the Yorkshire outfit are now guaranteed to finish in second position.
While Heckingbottom will demand that his players retain their focus, Sheffield United can enjoy the run-in with further games to come against Huddersfield Town and Birmingham City on the road.
Sheffield United’s home record this season is second only to champions Burnley, Heckingbottom’s team collecting 48 points from their 22 fixtures.
Three matches ago, a resurgent Preston looked to be favourites to snatch a playoff spot, but North End have completely lost the momentum that they had been able to generate.
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A run of 15 points from a possible 18 has been followed by just one coming from three outings, that only through a dramatic late equaliser at home to Blackburn Rovers last time out.
Although ending the season with back-to-back wins could get Ryan Lowe’s side over the line, that will be far easier said than done against two of the form teams in the division.
That said, playing host to sixth-placed Sunderland in their final match of the season will play perfectly into their favour if they can upset Sheffield United on Saturday.
