In the absence of Sheffield Wednesday, the Blades biggest local rivals (other than Chesterfield) will be Barnsley.
A few months ago poor results and performances on Sheffield United's part look set to make today's fixture nothing more than running down the clock on what has otherwise been a disappointing season. But three wins and a draw from their last four fixtures has seen Nigel Adkins men as potential dark horses to charge from the back and cross the finish line in the play-off zone. This would be a dream come true to Blades supporters who had written the club off and was looking forward to their summer holidays.
Barnsley too will see themselves fortunate. The Tykes were at the foot of the League One table when Conor Hourihane's late strike cancelled out Chris Basham's early header when the two side drew 1-1 at Oakwell on 28th November. Lifting the Johnstone's Paint Trophy could add the gloss to what has been a difficult season. Under the former leadership of Lee Johnson, who is now manager of Bristol City, the Reds were able to grind out results and set themselves on a run not too dissimilar to the Blades effort under Nigel Clough in 2014/15 season.
Now the plucky Barnsley side find themselves 7th in the table with only goal difference separating themselves and Gillingham who have scored five more goals overall than their rivals.
Is it is course possible that League One will not see a representative from South Yorkshire in the League One Play-Offs but both of today's opponents will be battling like hell for maximum points. As per every usual local Derby, pride as well as points will be high on the agenda but chasing the top six will make this into a 6-pointer 'Cup Final,' a defeat would probably end the Blades season but a defeat for Barnsley would mean they would be rely on Shrewsbury Town beating Gillingham and Walsall winning at Bradford City to remain in the hunt for another week.
Depending on how this fixture has panned out, as well as other results elsewhere in the League, then United could argue that they face a less tough run in than their counterparts. United will have just two fixtures remaining with first a trip to Coventry City before hosting Nigel Adkins former club Scunthorpe United on the final day. Both of our opponents have a slim chance too of making the pay-offs - although unlikely!
Barnsley's final calendar fixtures sees them host Colchester United who may have been relegated by the time the final whistle blows tonight at around 5pm, but their last day trip to DW Stadium against league leaders Wigan could prove vital for both sides. They may well hope that the title is sealed before this fixture.
Saturday, 23rd April 2016
Sheffield United vs. Barnsley (KO: 12.30)
Saturday, 30th April 2016
Barnsley vs. Colchester United
Coventry City vs. Sheffield United
Sunday, 8th May 2016
Sheffield United vs. Scunthorpe United (12:30)
Wigan Athletic vs. Sheffield United (12:30)
@blades_mad1889