Sheffield United are feeling the pressure in the race for the play-offs in the Sky Bet Championship, with the Blades not hitting their best form at a key stage of the season.

Chris Wilder issued a blistering attack on his side following Friday’s 1-0 defeat to Hull City, insisting that the Blades weren’t good enough to make the top-six, with too many of his players not ‘at it’ at the KCOM Stadium.

The Blades still sit narrowly outside the top-six, with Wilder’s side just two points off sixth and holding a game in hand over Bristol City, who currently occupy that place.

That game in hand will come tomorrow evening, with Sheffield United going up against Reading, knowing that victory will put them in the driving seat in the race for sixth.

Here at FLW, we take a look at Wilder’s squad, selecting the starting XI we believe should feature against Reading…

Blackman could do little to stop Nouha Dicko scoring on Friday evening, and it is safe to say that the Blades look a better outfit with the on-loan goalkeeper in the XI.

Basham was part of the starting XI at Hull, but should continue in his centre-back role.

Stearman was another to feature against Hull, and it is hard to see Wilder making wholesale changes to his defensive unit against Reading.

O’Connell should continue in an unchanged back three, with changes coming further up the pitch.

George Baldock has featured at right wing-back for large parts of the season, but his contribution against Hull was disappointing.

Wilder will be tempted to throw Freeman in from the start at Reading.

Wilder was extremely critical of his midfield and defence against Hull, and with Lee Evans struggling to impress, the door could be open for Lundstram to start.

Despite not finding his best against Hull, Wilder can’t consider dropping Fleck, who has been key to putting Sheffield United in a position to challenge.

Stevens offers balance to United’s team in a left wing-back role.

He must continue against Reading.

£315k-rated Duffy has to return to the starting XI this week.

The Blades struggled to create chances for Billy Sharp and Leon Clarke, and Duffy will be key to solving that problem.

Sharp was singled out for praise against Hull, and despite the presence of Clayton Donaldson, Sheffield United’s captain should continue.

Like Sharp, Clarke was praised for his impact at the KCOM Stadium.

It would be a surprise to see Wilder change his front two.