League leaders Sheffield United welcome Queens Park Rangers to Bramall Lane on Tuesday evening, as the Blades look to keep ahead of the chasing pack following close behind.
QPR are one of those chasing teams, and a win here would see them end the day just three points behind Tuesday's opponents.
Match preview
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Sheffield United go into this game on the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Birmingham City, in a game where the home side were frustrated for large periods. Oli McBurnie put the Blades 1-0 up only for Troy Deeney to equalise a matter of minutes after.
That result along with Norwich City's 1-0 win at Blackpool has closed the gap at the top to just one point going into the midweek programme.
Sheffield United's overall form has been stellar though, with four wins from five highlighting their consistency as they look to return to the Premier League after relegation in 2020-21.
Paul Heckingbottom has got his side firing on all cylinders, as not only are his side the joint-top scorers in the division - along with Bristol City - but they also boast the meanest defence in the league, having conceded just six goals from 11 played.
It is in attack where Sheffield United have been most exciting, with Oli McBurnie and Iliman Ndiaye having scored five goals each already this season.
With a fierce attack and solid defence, the Blades look certain to be in a promotion chase for the long haul.
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Queens Park Rangers have also made a strong start to the season, where five wins in 11 games sees them currently sitting in the playoffs.
Their most recent game was the 2-1 victory over Bristol City on Saturday, where goals from Stefan Johansen and Tyler Roberts were enough to take the spoils from Ashton Gate.
QPR have demonstrated that they can be dangerous on the road more than once already this season, with wins over Watford and Millwall also on their resume.
With players like Ilias Chair, Tyler Roberts and Chris Willock in attack, QPR could be a match for any side on their day.
Michael Beale has certainly got QPR playing an exciting brand of football, but with 16 scored and 12 conceded in 11 games, finding a healthier balance will be crucial if Beale's side are to go the distance and look to gain promotion.
Team News
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Sheffield United have a few injury concerns heading into this game, with long-term absentee Jack O'Connell still missing.
A number of players are expected to miss Tuesday's game, with Anel Ahmedhodzic, Jack Robinson, John Fleck, Ciaran Clark, Enda Stevens and Ben Osborn all on the treatment table.
Jayden Bogle is however back in action and could possibly start on Tuesday evening, although a place on the bench appears most likely.
On the other hand, QPR are faring much better than their hosts on the injury front.
Lyndon Dykes returned to the bench in their 2-1 win over Bristol City and will be looking to get the nod to start in attack here.
Jake Clarke-Salter and Luke Amos also recently returned from injury too, leaving Michael Beale with a strong side to be able to pick from.
Sheffield United possible starting lineup:
Foderingham; Basham, Egan, Norrington-Davies; Bogle, Berge, Norwood, Doyle, Khadra; Ndiaye, McBurnie
Queens Park Rangers possible starting lineup:
Dieng; Laird, Balogun, Clarke-Salter, Paal; Field, Amos, Johansen; Roberts, Willock, Chair
We say: Sheffield United 2-1 Queens Park Rangers
Sheffield United were frustrated on Saturday against Birmingham City, but under the lights at Bramall Lane a response is to be expected. QPR have proven themselves to be dangerous on the road, but a narrow home win looks the most likely outcome here.
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