Sheffield United will be looking to continue their unbeaten record with a trip to Swansea City tomorrow (Saturday).
The Blades have begun the season well, and will be buoyed by the derby day victory over rivals Sheffield Wednesday last week.
There has been a plethora of new players around Bramall Lane, although not all of the fresh faces will be sticking around. Four trialists played for the Blades on Tuesday, after Jonathan Fortune had already been confirmed by Kevin Blackwell last Saturday.
Attempting to put an end to the impressive start is Swansea City who have had a steady start to the season following the departure of manager Roberto Martinez, as well as star players Jason Scotland and Jordi Gomez. The Swans were on the verge of capturing ex Blades striker Danny Webber over the summer, but there was a breakdown in contract negotiations.
Vital Quotes:
Kevin Blackwell has been speaking to the official website in the run up to the game.
like watching Swansea, they are a good side and Paulo Sousa (manager) is putting his own stamp on them after taking over from Roberto Martinez.
Their home record over the last two or three years has been phenomenal. They have spent some decent money and I hope, after this weekend, that they will be on the way up.
We all recognise that Swansea are a good passing side and we all want to win games by playing attractive stuff. To win games the key to that is to be able to mix things up because if a team is predictable then the opposition can set up against them. We know how they play and will come up with a plan to combat it.
Swansea City Team News:
Swansea City are expecting to welcome back Stephen Dobbie. The Scottish forward broke a rib last month and has spent some time on the sidelines, but played in the reserve team game midweek and suffered no after effects, so is expected to play.
Player to watch: Craig Beattie
The Blades know all about the predatory style of striker Craig Beattie. The ex West Brom man spent the end of last season on loan at Bramall Lane, and after failing to endear himself to the United fans is sure to come back and show us what he’s capable of.
Sheffield United Team News:
The Blades already depleted squad takes a further blow this week, as Chris Morgan and Nick Montgomery are both doubts for the trip. Jamie Ward is out for over a month, and Matthew Kilgallon is also missing, so Andrew Davies and Jonathan Fortune could line up at the heart of the Blades defence.
Player to watch: David Cotterill
The Welshman could be given the opportunity to start the game for the first time this season, following a blow to Jamie Ward, and the winger will be looking to make an impression in front of his fellow countrymen.
Match Facts & Stats
The Last time:
Swansea City 1-1 Sheffield United
Chris Morgan’s delicate lob rescued a point for the Blades late on last season after Jason Scotland had put the home side in front from the penalty spot. Darius Henderson received the first of two red cards last season in this fixture.
Ref Watch:
Darren Deadman will take charge of the game tomorrow, and hopefully won’t become a dead man walking. The last time he officiated the Blades was when he sent Sun Jihai in the home fixture with Coventry City last season.
Match Prediction:
After a poor start to the season, where predictions are concerned, I’m going to stay conservative and tip the Blades to walk away with a 2-1 victory.
Next Fixtures:
The Blades host Roy Keane’s Ipswich Town on Tuesday night.