Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom has admitted that he believes the Championship automatic promotion race will go right down to the wire, speaking to Yorkshire Live ahead of his team's clash against Watford this afternoon.

Currently four points above Middlesbrough who are in third, they are in a much less comfortable position than they were a fortnight ago, with losses against Boro and Millwall allowing the former to capitalise and close the gap.

This makes today's game at Bramall Lane an incredibly important one for the Blades, who will be keen to tighten up their defence after conceding six times in their previous two league games.

Boro, however, also have a difficult task on their hands today as they prepare to head to The Hawthorns to face West Bromwich Albion, who have been superb under Carlos Corberan during his time in charge there despite the Baggies' recent losses.

In a best-case scenario today, United can go seven points clear of Boro who they also have a game in hand over, something that will put them in a strong position going into the rest of the season.

But Heckingbottom has conceded that this is likely to be a tight race, potentially giving Boro a bit of extra encouragement.

He said: "However long it takes, we fight until we get it, or we fight until we don't.

"Sometimes when I sit here and answer questions, you might think they are cliches but it's not.

"This league shows, even when teams have been excellent, it goes right down to the wire. We are expecting no different this year."

The Verdict:

The main asset Boro have at their disposal is their squad depth and that should allow them to continue thriving, even when a few injuries come into play.

It's a big boost for them that they managed to sign Dan Barlaser in January - because that will allow Michael Carrick to manage Jonny Howson's game time. At 34, the latter shouldn't be looking to play too many games if he wants to limit the possibility of sustaining an injury.

Even out wide where they don't have too many orthodox options, others can step up to the plate there without causing too much disruption because of the depth they have in other areas.

For example, Marcus Forss can operate there with Cameron Archer able to play up top and vice-versa, with the latter showing that can be a threat out wide.

However, the Blades have some top-quality players and decent strength in depth too, so neither side should be underestimated during the final couple of months of the campaign.

Whoever is in the best mental state could make all the difference between who clinches second spot and who has to settle for the play-offs.