Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has admitted that Norwich City have already claimed one promotion place.
The Canaries moved seven points clear at the top of the Championship at the weekend after beating QPR 4-0.
With Leeds United losing 1-0 at Birmingham City, the Blades went back into second after winning by the same scoreline at Preston North End.
With six games remaining, Wilder believes it is a battle between his side and Leeds for the final promotion spot.
“I would be very surprised if they do not win the division. They have been consistent and steamed ahead. We are just desperate to try and hold on to them,” the 51-year-old told the Sheffield Star.
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How good are Norwich?
That victory over QPR was the eighth successive league triumph for Daniel Farke’s men and 10th in their last 11 outings.
During that same period, the Blades have dropped five points while Leeds have dropped 11. It seems that Norwich are really hitting their form at just the right time.
The reason it is probably therefore going to be a straight fight for second is that fourth-placed West Bromwich Albion are currently six points behind the Whites. Midlands rivals Aston Villa are a further seven points off the Baggies.
While West Brom could make up that ground in six matches, it seems unlikely. With just one point currently separating the Blades and Leeds ahead of tomorrow’s midweek games, it looks like this battle could go right to the wire.
As already pointed out, Wilder’s side do have superior recent form – which could prove crucial in this final run in. This has been boosted by a superb defensive record of late, with them keeping eight clean sheets in their last nine games and winning seven of them.