Sheffield Wednesday face arch-rivals Sheffield United this weekend knowing their Championship survival could be mathematically decided before or during the derby.
The Owls sit on -7 points, a figure unchanged since their goalless draw with Blackburn Rovers in December. As it stands, the maximum total Wednesday can reach is 35 points — currently the same tally as Blackburn in 19th place.
If Wednesday lose at Bramall Lane, their maximum possible total would fall to 32 points. That would leave them unable to catch anyone other than Leicester City (32) and Oxford United (28), effectively confirming relegation to League One.
What Wednesday need to survive — at least temporarily
To keep their faint hopes alive, Henrik Pedersen’s side must take something from the derby — though even that may not be enough.
A draw would technically keep them within touching distance of Portsmouth (33), but only if Pompey lose both of their upcoming matches against Charlton Athletic and Millwall. A single point for Portsmouth would push them beyond Wednesday’s maximum possible tally.
If Wednesday manage a shock victory over their bitter rivals, three teams could still be caught — but only if none of them surpass 35 points before the weekend concludes.
Blackburn need just one point against Preston North End to move clear. West Bromwich Albion would also move out of reach with a win over Coventry City. Meanwhile, Portsmouth require three points from their two fixtures to surpass the 35-point mark.
There is also the possibility that Wednesday’s fate is sealed before a ball is kicked in Sunday’s derby, with the teams above them playing earlier. Should Portsmouth, West Brom and Blackburn all move beyond 35 points beforehand, the result at Bramall Lane would become irrelevant.
Reality of the situation
In truth, relegation has long felt inevitable following the club’s well-documented struggles off the pitch. However, after finally ending their goal drought at the weekend, Pedersen will be demanding a spirited performance in the Steel City derby — the one fixture supporters will still care deeply about regardless of league position.
If Wednesday can pull off their first derby victory since 2012, they may at least delay the inevitable. Otherwise, defeat — or results elsewhere — will confirm what many have feared for months.
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