Ian Bennett will replace the ineligible Mark Bunn for tonight’s Carling Cup tie with Port Vale.
Bennett will come into the team along with another ‘four or five’ changes according to Kevin Blackwell.
The Blades have a repeat tie of last year, when goals from Lee Hendrie, Stephen Quinn and Danny Webber were enough to see them ease past the League 2 side.
Luke Rodgers had previously cancelled out Hendrie’s opener, but it wasn’t enough and the visitor’s were unable to overcome a strong Blades team.
It will be a big night for Vale boss Micky Adams who grew up a devoted Blades fan, which is sure to add extra drive for the 47 year old.
Vital Quotes:
Kevin Blackwell
‘Ideally I would have liked Darius Henderson to rest but circumstances realistically suggest that may not be possible.
‘In the fixture last season I made about eight changes to keep everyone involved, and although with a decimated squad this time I won’t be able to do that again, I will still make four or five.’
Micky Adams
‘I love going back there.
‘Tony Currie was, and still is, my biggest idol.
‘When you’re a kid you follow your team, and I followed Sheffield United and went along with my dad and brother and we were season-ticket holders.
‘But I’ve been back as a player, and as a manager, and I’ve always tried to beat them.’
Sheffield United Team News:
International Duty: Ched Evans, David Cotterill and Kyle Walker
Injured: Lee Williamson and Gary Naysmith
Suspended: Lee Hendrie and Jamie Ward.
Ineligible: Mark Bunn
Unavailable: Paddy Kenny and Gary Speed
Despite Blackwell claiming that he may have to reluctantly play Darius Henderson, tonight could provide rare starts for Billy Sharp and Jordan Robertson, both on the fringes of the squad and looking to make an impression with the current striker shortage.
France could move to right back with Walker missing, leaving an opportunity for Little to impress on the right.
Player to watch: Kyel Reid
The explosive winger could get chance to impress tonight on the left, should Blackwell chose to rotate the squad slightly.
Port Vale Team News:
Vale’s only certain absentees are goalkeeper Joe Anyon, and midfielder Simon Richman. Adams could stick with the same team that drew with Rochdale at the weekend after declaring himself ‘delighted’ at the draw against last year’s play off semi finalists.
It will also see a return to Bramall Lane for Player-Assistant Manager Geoff Horsfield.
Horsfield made a miraculous comeback into league football after being diagnosed with testicular cancer, and despite being far from a hit with the Blades during his spell, should receive an excellent reception.
Player to watch: Louis Dodds
The Sheffield born striker Dodds, signed a permanent deal with Vale last season after coming through the youth system at Leicester City, where he picked up the young player of the year in 2006.
He hit seven goals last season, and will be looking get this season off to a good start in his home town tonight.
Match Facts & Stats
The Last Time:
Blades 3 – 1 Vale.
Carling Cup Rnd 1, 2008
The one to remember:
Blades 10 – 0 Vale.
Football League Division 2, 1892
The one to forget:
Blades 1 – 4 Vale.
Nationwide League Division 1, 1999.
Ref Watch:
Keith Hill.
Hertfordshire based referee, entering his 12th season on the football league list.
Match Prediction:
A similar tie to last year could be in order, but perhaps with a closer result. Adams will look to push a depleted side all the way and perhaps a 2-1 victory for the Blades.
Predicted Lineup:
Bennett, France, Morgan, Bromby, Taylor, Little, Quinn, Howard, Reid, Sharp, Robertson.
Next Fixtures:
15/8 v Watford (h)
The Blades first home game in the Championship will see them up against a new look Watford side, under the guidance of Malky Mackay.