Sheffield United are well positioned for another promotion to the Premier League after beating Blackpool 2-1 on Thursday.
The Blades’ win, coupled with results elsewhere, means they now sit 11 points clear of third placed Blackburn Rovers in the Championship table. In terms of the promotion race, that is a big gap and one Paul Heckingbottom will be keen to ensure is maintained.
But while some will claim the pressure is on United to keep that gap, former midfielder Mark Duffy believes it’s the other way around for the chasing pack.
Speaking to SUTV after the Blackpool win, Duffy – who won promotion with United last time under Chris Wilder – believes those chasing clubs now know they can’t afford to not win games.
“They have got really winnable games coming up. That adds pressure onto the teams trying to catch them as well, they know that draws aren’t good enough now,” Duffy said.
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“There could be times when in the last ten minutes, Watford are drawing and they know it’s not good enough. They need the win now to catch them, so by attacking a little bit more it leaves them more suspect on the counter. They’re (United) are in a fantastic position.”
The Blades take on QPR on Monday night looking to maintain their fine form.
Sheff U News View: Duffy makes a good point
It’s good analysis this from Duffy. The point about the pressure being on other clubs is a good one and one that doesn’t usually jump the forefront of the mind.
Of course, there is pressure on United to keep up the results. But 11 points is effectively the Blades losing four games on the bounce while Blackburn win their four. It does mean a big swing is needed to overhaul that total.
Naturally, us Blades fans won’t be counting our chickens just yet. Many would see it as ‘typical United’ to blow it from here. But under Paul Heckingbottom, it doesn’t seem like we will.