The UK’s Steel City gears up for its 146th edition of one of English football’s fiercest derbies as Sheffield Wednesday host Sheffield United in a clash that could prove decisive for both teams’ promotion ambitions.
For Wednesday, this fixture marks their first home meeting with their rivals since 2019, and while their play-off hopes remain mathematically alive, they are fading fast. The Blades, meanwhile, have their sights set firmly on automatic promotion—and possibly even the league title.
Back in November, these two sides played out a tense encounter, with Tyrese Campbell scoring the only goal in a match where the Blades registered the only shot on target. Since then, Sheffield United have been a model of consistency, suffering just three defeats in their last 22 league games. Sheffield Wednesday, however, have endured a rollercoaster season with nine wins, six draws, and seven losses in the same period.
Current Form
Wednesday looked like genuine play-off contenders at the start of February, climbing to eighth in the table. However, three consecutive defeats—including a crucial loss at home to Coventry City—saw them slip to 13th. A hard-fought 3-2 comeback win at Norwich last week has reignited their hopes, lifting them to 10th place, just five points off the play-off spots.
However, Hillsborough has not been a fortress in recent months. Wednesday have failed to win a home league game since their New Year’s Day triumph over Derby County. Against a Sheffield United side that has won five consecutive away games while conceding just three goals in that run, the hosts will need to summon all their resilience and attacking intent.
High Stakes for Both Sides
Despite being nine places and 26 points behind United, Wednesday have actually scored one more goal than their rivals. However, their leaky defence has been their undoing, conceding 58 times this season—more than relegation-threatened Derby and just two fewer than Luton.
United, by contrast, have only conceded 28 league goals, a record bettered only by Burnley and Leeds. This defensive stability gives them a clear advantage heading into the derby.
The Steel City Derby
The history of this fixture runs deep, with its roots tracing back to the 1890s. Sheffield, often considered the birthplace of football, is home to Sheffield FC, the world’s oldest club, and Bramall Lane, the longest-serving professional football ground.
The Steel City Derby is a game that divides families, workplaces, and communities. For 90 minutes, allegiances override relationships, and the city is split in two. With an expected crowd of over 34,000 at Hillsborough, including 2,315 traveling United fans, the atmosphere is sure to be electric.
One mistake, one moment of brilliance, or one last-minute winner could define the game and tilt the season’s momentum for either side. With promotion hopes hanging in the balance, the stakes have never been higher.
Past and Present: A Derby Steeped in Drama
In the 145 previous meetings, Sheffield United have edged ahead with 50 wins to Wednesday’s 48. While Wednesday fans can always boast about winning the first-ever derby, it is United who have dominated in recent years, unbeaten in this fixture for over a decade.
As the teams prepare to battle once more, all eyes will be on Hillsborough on 16th March. Will Wednesday keep their play-off dreams alive, or will United take another giant step towards the Championship title? One thing is certain—this Steel City Derby will once again deliver high drama, passion, and an unforgettable chapter in one of English football’s most intense rivalries.
