It’s difficult to tell just how much the pressure has eased on Bryan Robson after Sunday’s win over Manchester City. Even if opinion has softened, defeat tonight is likely to see calls for his head renewed. That makes the team selection all the more difficult for him (although injuries could force his hand), should he drop the likes of Stead and Shelton, a return to the lacklustre football seen before City would be felt all the more keenly by the fans.
Watford always seem to cause us problems at the Lane, notably in 2005/06 when they won with great ease after Unsworth had been dismissed. We beat them last season though despite one of the most nervous performances I’ve ever seen.
Vital Quotes:
Bryan Robson told Radio Sheffield that we’ll need to stand up to Watford, another start for Captain Morgan then?
‘Defensively we’ve got to be very strong, but we know what to expect. There’s no other way Watford play than direct, so we know we’ve got to stand up to that. If we can get some passing and moving going we can be a threat going the other way.’
Sheffield United Team News:
Shelton, Stead and Geary all face late tests.
Player to watch: Gary Speed
I thought he struggled at Hillsborough but reports suggest he looked good against Manchester City. Can he handle the hustle and bustle of a game against Watford?
Watford Team News:
Collins John makes his first start for a new club against the Blades for the second time this season. Work that one out! Adrian AyiaNapa could also start.
Player to watch: Darius Henderson
Always interesting to see just how low he is willing to stoop to wind opposition players up. Not a very nice man.
Match Facts & Stats
The Blades have only won 1 of their last 7 home league clashes with Watford.
Match Prediction:
Very difficult to call this one. I’ll sit on the fence and go for a 1-1 draw.
Next Fixtures:
Feb 2nd Colchester (a)
Feb 9th Scunthorpe (h)