Sheffield United are boosted by the return of John Egan from suspension for the first fixture of the new 2023 year at Queens Park Rangers tonight, with the game kicking off at 20:00 PM and screened live on Sky Sports TV.
Since the Championship season recommenced following the break for the World Cup, the Blades have been in fine form, having won their last four consecutive Championship matches. They are currently second in the table (at the time of writing) and come into this fixture following a 2-1 victory at Blackpool via goals in each half from Sander Berge and James McAtee.
Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom will be boosted by the return of defender John Egan after he missed the victory at Blackpool after serving a one-match suspension, following his dismissal at home to Coventry City. However, they will be without defenders Jack O’Connell (knee), and Rhys Norrington-Davies (hamstring), as well as midfielder John Fleck (calf), and striker Rhian Brewster (hamstring).
QPR have currently lost their last four league home games. The last time that they went this long without a home league victory was between 24th September to 5th November 1949 when they lost four consecutive Loftus Road games against West Ham United (0-1), Hull City (1-4), Plymouth Argyle (0-2), and Bradford Park Avenue (0-1). A defeat against Sheffield United tonight would break a 73-year-old unwanted record. They come into this fixture in midtable having won twice and drawn twice in their last ten league games. They were defeated 3-0 in their last outing at home to Luton Town on 29th December.
The hosts are expected to be without midfielder Stefan Johansen and defender Leon Balogun are both doubtful with knocks.