Mark Duffy has highlighted three fixtures that could be vital for Sheffield United during the run-in, as the midfielder sets his sights on the Sky Bet Championship’s play-offs in May.  

Speaking to the Yorkshire Post, Duffy has highlighted a clash with Fulham as a game that will be a big one in the race for the play-offs, along with contests against Preston North End and Bristol City.

Despite heavy criticism from Chris Wilder in the last week, his side moved back into the Championship’s top-six on Tuesday evening, with Duffy and Billy Sharp firing the Blades to a 3-1 victory over Reading at the Madejski Stadium.

32-year-old midfielder Duffy has now been discussing the run-in, pinpointing three key fixtures, he said: “The aim is to get into those play-offs, 12 games to go and everything to fight for.

“We are at the business end of the season and we want to compete in that. Each game becomes more important.”

The Blades face Burton Albion this weekend at Bramall Lane, before travelling to London on Tuesday evening to face Fulham, who are currently sitting fifth in the Championship table.

The two other fixtures Duffy mentions come in the final two weeks of the regular season, with Sheffield United welcoming Preston to Bramall Lane, before heading to Ashton Gate to face Bristol City on the final day of the campaign.

The Verdict

Sheffield United have some big fixtures between now and the end of the season, particularly the three Duffy has mentioned, which are all against teams that will be challenging them for sixth.

Added to that, Wilder’s side face Middlesbrough and Cardiff City, who will both offer them a stern test of their play-off credentials.

The pressure is on in the Championship’s play-off race, but with three victories in their last four, Sheffield United will be confident of clinching sixth heading into the run-in.

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