NIGEL Clough says that having good forward options has helped propel Sheffield United into the promotion race.
The Blades only came up from League One last season but have been one of the surprise packages this campaign and have their sights set on a play-off spot.
The Brewers travel to Bramall Lane on Saturday (kick off 3pm) at the start off a difficult set of fixtures in March.
Clough said: “I thought Sheffield United would easily survive but maybe not be in the play offs. They have good striking options which is the key to it. When one striker goes a bit cold another one steps in. They have a very strong squad.”
Clough wants his players to not be fazed by the challenging trips to three promotion challengers this month.
He said: “It’s about not freezing and going out there to play, whether that’s Sheffield United, Cardiff or Wolves, as we have done recently.
“Everyone is finding it difficult to win games at the moment right from Wolves at the top all the way through. There are lots of teams with one win in five or six and things like that. It’s a tough league and it’s tough to win games, especially for us.”
Clough could still be missing the defensive trio of John Brayford, Ben Turner and Tom Flanagan on Saturday but Damien McCrory made a comeback from long term injury against Millwall after coming off the bench.
Clough said: “He was unlucky with the goal, he’s got a header on it but it’s hit their lad and gone in - that’s when your luck is not going for you. But he showed the advantage of having a natural left footer out there and despite not playing much he linked up well with Lloyd Dyer.”