Sheffield United will be looking for victory in their first Championship game at Bramall Lane, and Kevin Blacwell has told them they will have a fight on their hands.
The opposition for the Blades will be provided by Malky Mackay’s Watford, who are much changed from the side that were chasing the Blades for promition in 2006.
The Hornets have only brought three players in over the summer, but there have been a number of high profile departures including, Al Bangura, Tamas Priskin, Lee Williamson and Leigh Bromby (the latter two joining the Blades).
John-Joe O’Toole, who was set to join the Blades in the summer hasn’t featured for the Hornets since the friendly with Hampton & Richmond (1-1).
Vital Quotes:
Leigh Bromby:
‘Fans expect a lot and so they should after last season when we did well and were unlucky not to go up, It’s down to the players to combat that.
‘We’re expected to roll Watford over but they will be difficult to break down. I worked under their new manager Malky Mackay for a spell – he’s very professional and organised. But a win would set us up nicely.’
Kevin Blackwell:
‘If they don’t have that killer instinct then it’s no good for this football club, it’s no good for themselves and it’s no good to me.
‘I know they’ve got it inside them but they’ve got to show it all the time.
‘In midweek there were too many of them waiting for something to happen.
‘They thought we would win the game and we didn’t. You’ve got to go out there and make something happen – if a chance comes your way then make sure you do your damndest to take it.’
Sheffield United Team News:
The Blades will have a number of players back from international duty, as well as Jamie Ward who’s available after suspension. Paddy Kenny still misses out as he waits for the result of his hearing on August 18th. Meanwhile long term absentees, Gary Speed, Gary Naysmith and Derek Geary are also missing.
Predicted Team: Bunn, Walker, Morgan, Kilgallon, Taylor, Cotterill, Montgomery, Quinn, Treacy, Henderson, Evans.
Player to watch: Ched Evans
A full ninety minutes and two goals for Wales Under21 side midweek followed a brief twenty minute cameo last Friday, and Evans will be looking to make a big impression on his Bramall Lane debut.
Watford Team News:
Watford will welcome back DeMerit, Loach and Jenkins from international duty, and Mackay will have a full squad to chose from.
Player to watch: Danny Graham
The ex Carlisle striker scored on his competitive debut in last week’s 1-1 draw with Doncaster at Vicarage Road. The 24 year old began his career at Middlesborough, but joined Watford this summer after a two year stint at Carlisle United.
Match Facts & Stats
The last time:
Blades 2 – Watford.
The One to remember:
Watford 0-1 Blades
2006/07. Danny Webber’s last minute header gave the Blades their second away victory in the Premiership and begin a four game unbeaten run.
The one to forget:
The season before when the Blades were promoted, the pressure appeared to be getting to Neil Warnock’s men, and Aidy Boothroyd’s Watford beat United 4-1 at Bramall Lane in front of the Sky cameras to put the Hornets third.
Ref Watch:
M.Oliver will take charge of the game tomorrow. Oliver’s last Blades game was the 2-0 defeat to Reading at Bramall Lane last season.
Match Prediction:
After Tuesday’s horrorshow, the players will know that they’ve got to prove themselves, and if they get it right early on, then a rout could be on the cards. The worry is that they are frustrated for the first 20 minutes and it turns into a game like so many we saw last year. Nevertheless, I’m going for 3-0
Next Fixtures:
Next up for the Blades is newly promoted Leicester City who visit Bramall Lane on Tuesday.