Sheffield United will look to continue their unbeaten start to the season as they face newly promoted Leicester City tonight.
It won’t be an easy tie for the Blades, as the Foxes are also unbeaten following a draw at Ipswich and victory at home to Swansea City.
The visitors spent last season in League 1 following their relegation from the Championship in 2009, but under the guidance of former Sheffield Wednesday player Nigel Pearson.
Vital Quotes:
Foxes boss Nigel Pearson knows that the visitors will have to be more disciplined than the previous two games if they’re to succeed at this level.
‘I don’t like it when we get needless bookings.’
‘We’ve got a young side and it’s down to the older lads to drill into them that they have to show no fear.
‘That was certainly the case at Ipswich (on Saturday) and it will need more of the same at Sheffield.
‘We want to go anywhere in the Championship and win games. That’s got to be the aim. We don’t want to go to places looking for a draw.’
Sheffield United Team News:
The Blades will have Lee Hendrie available for selection again after his suspension following a red card in the playoff final, but Lee Williamson is still out. Kevin Blackwell has said he’s likely to stick with the same team that beat Watford on Saturday with Ched Evans partnering Darius Henderson up front.
Likely team: Bunn, Walker, Morgan, Kilgallon, Taylor, Ward, Montgomery, Howard, Treacy, Evans, Henderson.
Player to watch: Keith Treacy
An impressive performance on Saturday was capped with two assists, and the on loan winger will be looking for more of the same tonight.
Leicester City Team News:
City striker Matty Fryatt is expected to miss out after picking up a knock at Ipswich on Saturday, but Steve Howard and Andy King are available.
Player to watch: Danny N’Guessan
The ex Lincoln City man was linked with the Blades over the summer, but eventually ended up at the Walkers Stadium. So far the winger has scored two goals in the season’s first three games.
Match Facts & Stats
The Last Time:
Sheffield United 3-0 Leicester City.
A first half James Beattie hat-trick sealed the game for United.
The One to remember:
Leicester City 2-5 Blades
The most memorable game in recent history, as the Blades came from behind to record victory that sealed promotion.
Match Prediction:
I thoroughly expect it to be a tougher game than Saturday, but United will still overcome the Foxes. N’Guessan is powerful and could get his name on the scoresheet, but the Blades to run out 2-1 winners.
Next Fixtures:
The Blades travel to Berkshire for a trip to struggling Reading on Saturday.