Yorkshire rivals united in hope that Leeds can aid Blades cause

That is because Leeds take on Crystal Palace, the side who are in the Blades’ sights as they try to claw their way to safety.

Following Saturday’s 3-2 victory over Bristol City, Micky Adams’s side are clinging to Championship status by their fingernails.

But if the Blades can beat Reading today and Leeds do the same to Palace, then the gap between Sheffield United and the club sitting fourth-bottom would be cut to just three points with two games left to play.

Leeds, meanwhile, need the points to keep alive their own play-off hopes after slipping out of the top six for the first time since November when held at home by Reading last Friday.

Nottingham Forest replaced United in sixth place on goal difference thanks to a 3-2 win over Leicester City, while Burnley’s victory at Derby County on Saturday saw the Lancastrians move level with both clubs on 66 points.

Hull City, however, suffered a blow to their own hopes of gatecrashing the top six by slumping to a 4-2 defeat at home to Middlesbrough.

On the race for the final play-off place, Leeds captain Richard Naylor said: “We obviously want to be in the top six but we want to be there at the end of the season.

“That is our aim and it is what we are striving for. It is disappointing to be out for the time being but if we are there at the end of the season then that is the main thing.

“We slipped out of the top two at a similar sort of time last season. But we are a good team and I believe we can finish it off.

“Palace is a game we are looking forward to and one we can win. After the draw with Reading there is a bit more of a positive mood about the place.

“We didn’t think we would get into the top six and stay there all season. We have been great up to now but we want to finish it off, as much for the fans as ourselves.”

Luciano Becchio is a major doubt for today’s trip to Selhurst Park with the hamstring strain that kept United’s top scorer out of the goalless draw with Reading.

Naylor was the surprise inclusion in that game, the veteran defender having fallen so far out of favour at Elland Road that his last game had been in October.

Despite that, the club captain impressed as Leeds kept only a second clean sheet in 12 games – meaning manager Grayson may be tempted to retain the same back four.

Naylor said: “The 90 minutes (against Reading) were quite tough to be fair and I was struggling a bit.

“But it was okay. Obviously, I hadn’t played for a while so to come in and have that sort of game was hard work.

“It was a big ask but I am experienced enough to cope with that sort of thing and I was just pleased to get the nod.

“The clean sheet was important, just from a mental point of view. A lot of criticism has been levelled at the defenders in recent weeks and we had a point to prove really.

“In terms of of shape, we were much better and well organised. The lads in front of us worked very hard and that makes our job a lot easier.”

On his chances of staying in the side to face Palace, Naylor added: “After not playing for months, two games in quick succession is a bit of an ask.

“I will see how I am and I am sure the manager will have a word with me. I’m no spring chicken and I haven’t played for a while. But if he asks, I will say ‘yes’.”

Blades manager Adams, meanwhile, has urged his players to ‘keep it going’ ahead of today’s trip to Reading.

With only three games to play, they have reduced the gap to safety to six points but are still bottom of the table after winning just three of the last 22 league games.

“It could have been a worst case scenario (this weekend) but we never talked about that,” said Adams. “We just said try and win a game of football and feel good about yourselves for a change.

“It was a hard-fought victory and we showed a lot of character and spirit. Now have to keep it going.

“I am asking the players to show a little bit of pride and passion in their own performances and be brave. That’s all they can do.”

Teenage striker Jordan Slew scored a late winner for the Blades after both sides had been reduced to 10 men.

Bristol City striker Nicky Maynard was red-carded just before the interval for a lunge on Matthew Lowton and Blades defender Harry Maguire was later sent off for a professional foul.

Adams was barracked by his own supporters for substituting midfielder Lee Williamson when down to 10 men but insisted that it was the right thing to do.

“The crowd are entitled to their opinions but they don’t really know the full circumstances like a manager does. That’s the way it is,” he said. “If Williamson had played the whole 90 minutes, he wouldn’t have played at Reading because he has a body that can’t recover as quickly as other players because of a long-standing back injury.

“The crowd can do what they want and say they what they want. I have got big broad shoulders.”

Irish midfielder David McAllister, 22, scored on his debut for the Blades and joins the growing list of young talent which has been thrust into the spotlight by Adams in recent weeks.

Slew, 18, has now scored two in two games. Maguire, also 18, was making only his second start but will be banned today as a result of his red card.

“Harry and Slewy will have different sorts of emotion but both will have learned valuable lessons,” said Adams. “There was always a time in the season when they were going to get their chance but we had to be careful with them.

“Both have adapted well along with McAllister on his debut. His goal and his all-round game were terrific.

“It’s hard to judge players in reserve games because teams have a lot of the ball against Sheffield United.

“He had to get around people (on Saturday) but he won his tackles very well, he was nice and positive with his passing, so he can be well pleased.”

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Sheffield United match report and reaction: Page 3.