Sheffield United will be looking to build on their excellent home form as they aim for a top-six finish when they entertain Reading tomorrow for the 3:00 pm kick-off, with Paul Heckingbottom likely to be boosted by the return of formidable defender Chris Basham from injury.
The former Bolton and Blackpool defender has been absent from the squad for the last ten matches with a knee injury. He has returned to training with Blades boss Heckingbottom suggesting the defender could be in contention for this weekend’s clash with Reading. However, the Blades are without defenders; Charlie Goode (knee), Jayden Bogle (knee), Jack O’Connell (knee), as well as forwards Billy Sharp (groin), Rhian Brewster (hamstring) and former Cherries striker David McGoldrick (thigh).
Skipper Sharp played ten league matches for Reading whilst on loan from Southampton. He signed in September 2013 on a three-month loan agreement, making his debut as a late substitute in a 1-1 draw at Barnsley. During his brief spell at the Madejski Stadium, he scored twice. Meanwhile, Norwood made 92 appearances (scored 5 goals) for the Royals having signed permanently in August 2014, making his debut as a substitute in a 4-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest. He played at the Madejski Stadium for two seasons before cementing a move to Brighton in August 2016.
The Blades are ten matches unbeaten in the league against their Championship opposition, Reading, having won nine and drawn once. They were last beaten by the Royals on 15th November 2008 when they recorded a 2-0 victory at Bramall Lane. They have since defeated the Blades in the FA Cup on 26th January 2013 when they won 4-0 at the Madejski Stadium.
Following the conclusion of the Good Friday match at home to Reading, the Blades travel to Bristol City on Easter Monday for a teatime, 5.30 pm, kick-off, which would then leave United with three fixtures remaining to conclude the domestic league season. It would be an ideal situation that the Blades to collect six points from their next two fixtures, giving them an excellent opportunity to finish in the top six with difficult games against Cardiff City (home), Queens Park Rangers (away), and Fulham (home), on the final day of the season.
They have been able to turn Bramall Lane into somewhat of a fortress. They have lost four matches at home this season in the Championship (won 11 out of 20 matches) and are currently unbeaten in twelve consecutive matches. They last suffered defeat at the Lane on 30th October in a 1-0 defeat to Blackpool.
Last Six Meetings
21.10.2017 – Sheffield United 2-1 Reading (Championship)
27.02.2018 – Reading 1-3 Sheffield United (Championship)
08.12.2018 – Reading 0-2 Sheffield United (Championship)
16.02.2019 – Sheffield United 4-0 Reading (Championship)
03.03.2020 – Reading 1-2 Sheffield United – aet (FA Cup Round 5)
23.11.2021 – Reading 0-1 Sheffield United (Championship)