There is every chance Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday could meet in the Championship playoffs.
The Blades are almost guaranteed a top six finish, with 15 points currently between themselves and Derby County in sixth with seven games left to play.
Of course their main ambition is automatic promotion. That could still happen, with Leeds United ahead of them in second by two points.
It looks likely to be either Leeds or United to finish behind current leaders Norwich City. West Bromwich Albion, who are four points behind Chris Wilder’s men in fourth, still have an outside shot.
Meanwhile, Wednesday have played themselves into playoff contention following a superb run of form under new manager Steve Bruce.
(Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
The Owls are unbeaten in 11 league games since Bruce’s first in charge – a 1-0 victory at Ipswich Town. In total they have won five and drawn six of his 11 matches.
That has moved Bruce’s side to within three points of the playoff places. They could be finding their momentum at just the right time to make a late push for the top six.
Making the prospect of a Steel City derby at the end of the season all the more likely.
Recent derby history
Before last season the two great rivals had not met since the 2011/12 campaign when they were both in League One. Wednesday were promoted that year, while the Blades had to wait until Wilder took charge in 2016 before they went up.
Upon their return to the Championship United bettered their city neighbours, however. The first Steel City derby in almost five years saw them run out 4-2 winners in a thriller at Hillsborough.
Unfortunately that was not a taste of what was to come, as the last three derbies have been nervy affairs that have all ended 0-0.
