Sheffield United could find themselves in the top four if they beat Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday and results elsewhere in the Premier League go their way.
The Blades are currently 6th – two points behind fourth-place Chelsea – and a big win at Bramall Lane could see Chris Wilder’s side move into the Champions League places if the Blues draw with Tottenham in the early kick-off.
However, Wilder will be focused solely on his team’s performance this weekend, rather than worrying about the other Premier League results.
Following a tricky festive period, Sheff Utd come into this game on the back of consecutive victories. The Blades secured a hard-fought win at Selhurst Park before coming from behind to beat Bournemouth in their previous game.
Wilder’s men went behind to an early Callum Wilson strike, but goals from veteran striker Billy Sharp and substitute John Lundstram saw Sheff Utd claim all three points last time out.
Remarkably, the Blades still boast the second-best defensive record in the division, with only league leaders Liverpool conceding fewer goals in 2019/20.
Brighton are now three points clear of the relegation zone after important draws with relegation rivals West Ham and Watford in their last two games.
But the Seagulls are in desperate need of a win to steer further clear of the bottom three. Graham Potter’s side haven’t won since the turn of the year – drawing four and losing two.
In fact, Brighton have only won one of their previous eleven league games, so they will need to start picking up points soon in order to avoid the drop this season.
Sheff Utd beat Brighton 1-0 earlier in the season, meaning the Blades have won the last three meeting between the two teams.
The Seagull’s last victory over Sheff Utd came away the way back in 2005, when both sides were competing in the Championship.
Chris Wilder has been extremely fortunate with injuries this season, so the Sheff Utd boss will have a fully fit squad to choose from this weekend.
Meanwhile, there are question marks over the fitness of Brighton duo Dale Stephens and Joze Izquierdo as both players near a return from injury.
Brighton are fighting for their lives at the moment. But while the Seagulls are bidding to stay in the Premier League, Sheffield United have genuine top-four ambitions.
Forebet predicts that Sheffield United will edge Brighton, with less than 3.5 goals being scored.