Sheffield United have enjoyed a strong start to the season and look capable of sustaining a promotion push in the coming months.

However, Blades fans will be wary as they started in similar fashion last season before falling away as winter approached.

Ultimately, they missed out on the top six but it was still a good campaign considering they had just won promotion from League One.

But, now there is an expectancy that Chris Wilder's side can last the distance and it's understandable given the quality they have.

Despite their budget, the Yorkshire side are a match for any side in the division and have shown that they have a lot of quality all over the pitch.

Here we look at FOUR things that will help them make the play-offs come May...

Quite simply, they have one of the best managers in the EFL. Wilder has proven himself at different clubs over the years and has been outstanding since taking over his boyhood Blades.

Tactically he has the side set up very well and they play with a high-intensity that others can struggle to match.

The club have been on the rise since he was appointed and you wouldn't back against them improving further whilst he remains in charge.

Any side competing for promotion needs to be excellent at home and Sheffield United are looking strong at Bramall Lane.

Even though they were frustrated in the Steel City derby last time out, they have lost just one in nine on their own turf, collecting 18 points in the process.

That's the second best record in the league at the minute and if they keep it up they have a real shot at promotion.

Another impressive aspect of Wilder's side is the togetherness and understanding that they have.

Firstly, they are all well-drilled on the 3-5-2 formation that the manager uses and know their roles.

Additionally, the majority of players are similar in terms of that they've had to work their way to this level and still have a hunger and determination to get to the top.

That spirit has served them well over the years and will continue to do so.

Even though there are a lot of reasons for Blades fans to be positive, they are still lacking in key areas.

We saw on Friday night that they can struggle to break down deep defences and that could be a problem as the season progresses.

Wilder has made it clear he wants new faces in January and bringing in the one or two quality players that are needed should ensure they make the top six.

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