Paul Heckingbottom will be hunting for his fourth consecutive victory when his Sheffield United side host local rivals Rotherham United in the SkyBet Championship at Bramall Lane tonight.
Sheffield United come into this fixture after turning around a run of six matches without a victory, and registering three consecutive wins after recording victories at West Bromwich Albion (2-0), Bristol City (1-0), and a sensational 5-2 win at home to league leaders Burnley last Saturday, which saw the Blades come from a goal behind. The Clarets had led at the break after Jack Robinson’s unfortunate own goal on 17 minutes after the defender headed home Manuel Benson’s effort. Illiman Ndiaye prodded home from close-range on 30 minutes to level the scores before Benson took advantage of slack defending on the stroke of half-time.
Paul Heckingbottom’s side ran the show in the second half as Oli McBurnie’s diving header three minutes after the restart once again drew United level. Ndiaye saw a goal rightfully disallowed for offside before two goals in five minutes lifted the hosts into a two-goal lead. Firstly, Robinson hooked the ball home on 54 minutes before Anel Ahmedhodzic turned in a crowded box to hammer the ball home. The victory was wrapped up on 74 minutes when Baldock’s effort was saved one-on-one with the ball spilling to McBurnie who netted in an empty net.
This Tuesday night’s fixture will be the first time the two clubs have met since the 9th Match 2019 en route to the Blades’ promotion to the Premier League. The two sides had drawn 2-2 earlier in the season at the New York Stadium but the return fixture at Bramall Lane saw the Blades, unprecedented winners, in a 2-0 victory. Former Miller Jack O’Connell opened the scoring after five minutes when he skilfully turned home Oliver Norwood’s short corner before the visitors were reduced to ten men following Will Vaulks late challenge on George Baldock on 28 minutes. The victory was sealed at 74 minutes via Mark Duffy’s successful effort from the edge of the area.