Sheffield United have surpassed all pre-season expectations and have a realistic chance of finishing in the play-offs.

The Blades only got promoted to the Championship last season, but they haven't waited around. Chris Wilder has continued their impressive run by utilising a strong squad chemistry which was built in their impressive League One campaign while also adding specific signings for key areas that needed improving.

Back-to-back promotions would be an amazing achievement for Wilder considering this is only his second season at the club. However, the last two play-off spots will be fiercely contested by the six teams that are separated by just four points.

The last eight games are all crucially important, so they can't afford any poor results between now and the end of the season.

Here are three reasons why they can finish in the play-offs...

One area that United have relied upon all season is their impressive home form which is the fifth best in the league. They can use the remaining games at Bramall Lane to spearhead their push for the play-offs.

None of their four games remaining at home are against sides that would be classed as easy. However, three of them are against teams fighting for the bottom two play-off spots: Middlesbrough, Millwall and Preston. Therefore, they have a slight advantage going into pivotal clashes against teams around them.

They also have a tough game against second place Cardiff City where realistically they are unlikely to come away with a result, but the other three home games are more important because they are basically six-pointers.

Wilder has kept his team in the same formation for the majority of the season which ensures that the individuals in the team know their specific roles in the attacking and defensive shape. Therefore, they are hard to break down as a defensive unit which will always make them a tough opponent for the other teams in the league.

Using a 3-5-2 means they are compact in the centre while also having an extra centre-back to deal with teams that play direct or down the flanks. They utilise the flanks for most of their attacking which allows them to create overloads with cutbacks from the byline being their preferred method of crossing.

They also have two strikers as well as runners from midfield so they can be quick to transition as well as having a number of threats to attack crosses into the box.

This formation has made them effective in each of the different thirds of the pitch without compromising and causing a structural weakness. They can also deal with the various styles that teams use, so they are well positioned to finish the season strongly.

As mentioned above, United play with two strikers which gives them a significant threat in the box. Leon Clarke and Billy Sharp have both been sharp in front of the net with 15 and 12 goals respectively. They have both stepped up when the other is absent or struggling, so they are key attacking threats which the opposition can't afford to prioritise one over the other.

The Blades also have capable back ups with Clayton Donaldson and James Wilson both scoring in the league this season. Having four confident strikers allows Wilder to rotate in order to keep them fresh and firing.

This continuous threat gives them a chance to grind out games safe in the knowledge that they have players on the pitch and the bench who can take advantage of any opposition mistakes or chances that come their way.