Sheffield Wednesday's Barry Bannan believes that playing their rivals in the run-in gives the Owls an advantage as they chase a play-off spot.

Finishing in the top six seemed highly unlikely after a poor first-half of the campaign. However, the team have really kicked on under Steve Bruce, who remains unbeaten since he took over at the start of February.

That has left the Yorkshire outfit just two points away from the top six as we approach the final eight games.

And, five of those fixtures will see Wednesday take on sides above them and Bannan told the Sheffield Star that's a positive.

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"Two points off Middlesbrough, we’ve got Forest to play here so we’ve got the upper hand really.

"We’ve got the teams up above us left to play until the end of the season so we have to say that we’ve been on a great run and we’ve got to keep that consistency up."

After the international break they face a tricky trip to take on Stoke City who are unbeaten in seven games under Nathan Jones although incredibly six of those ended in draws.

The Verdict

There's two ways of looking at Wednesday's tough fixture list but Bannan is clearly taking the positive approach and he has every right to.

Clearly, games against sides in and around them will have a massive bearing on who finishes sixth and they will be must-win if the Owls are playing catch up.

But, they should be confident as Bruce has worked wonders since taking over and given the side a real belief.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.