Wednesday’s cup clash with Middlesbrough divided opinion amongst Sheffield United fans. Some were delighted with the effort shown and the return of some passion and grit whilst others saw a negative, overly direct performance. In reality there is probably something in both schools of thought. Blackwell’s first home league game in charge will probably give a more realistic idea of the direction in which we’re going under his stewardship.
Blackwell has said that he isn’t one for squad rotation and that he will look to make the fewest number of changes possible. Building partnerships and understandings is very important he says. I think there is a lot of merit in that but I can’t help but feel that unless our front partnership is changed for a more complementary pairing, we’re going to continue to struggle for goals.
Charlton have had a mixed bag of a season to date although they’ve taken to the Championship far better than ourselves.
Vital Quotes:
‘Please sir, can we have our ball back?’ That’s the message from Kevin Blackwell although he worded it slightly differently when talking to the official site ‘I am asking the fans to throw the ball back to the ball boys when it goes into the stands – that way we can use the multi-ball system to inject more pace into the game and that should keep us on the front foot.’
Sheffield United Team News:
Lee Martin is injured but David Cotterill is back in contention aftre being ineligible for the Boro game.
Player to watch: Matt Kilgallon
Can he keep up the high standards that he is now setting himself?
Charlton Athletic Team News:
Highly rated Chelsea youngster Scott Sinclair has joined on loan and could start. Kelly Youga, impressive against the Blades earlier in the season whilst with Scunthorpe, returns after suspension.
Madjid Bougherra, the man who couldn’t wait to get away from Wednesday, is likely to miss out with a foot injury.
Player to watch: Andy Gray
The ex-Blades man is a proven scorer at this level. Would those who said he didn’t have enough to his all-round game now swap him for Billy Sharp I wonder?
Match Facts & Stats
Our last meeting at Bramall Lane at this level ended in a 2-1 win for Charlton. That game was on the 18th September 1999. Petr Katchouro scored the Blades goal.
Match Prediction:
Maybe it’s because we’ve drawn so many games but I’m struggling to see past a stalemate here. I’ll go for 1-1.
For all the odds and more, go to: www.williamhill.co.uk
Next Fixtures:
4th March Ipswich (a)
8th March Plymouth (a)