Kevin Blackwell has admitted he could be forced to make changes for the visit of promotion chasing West Brom.
Brian Howard and Keith Treacy have been struggling, with the latter being replaced during the first half at Reading.
‘He’s (Keith Treacy) had a lot of treatment this week and trained on Thursday so we will check whether there is any adverse reaction on Friday Other than that I shall choose from the same squad.’
The game may also come just too soon for Howard who has recovered from a bout of tonsillitis, but match fitness could be a factor for the ex Barnsley midfielder.
The game will be an early indication of where the Blades are in relation to one of the divison’s strongest teams, and is perhaps the pick of the weekend’s games in the Football League.
Vital Quotes:
Keith Treacy:
he winger, on loan from Blackburn has been expressing his enjoyment at playing at Bramall Lane in the run up to the game against the Baggies.
‘I love playing at Bramall Lane, the fans get right behind the team and create a great atmosphere.
‘I am looking to get goals, no matter how they come, although if I do get a couple more spectacular ones they will be with my left foot, because the one with my right was a bit of a fluke!
‘When you score a like that it doesn’t really register until you get home and see it on the television and then it hits home – it was my best goal by a mile.’
Roberto Di Matteo:
‘I think they will be serious contenders at the top end of the league this season.’
‘They’ve got a good squad, strong squad.
‘They were very close last year and they’ve only lost one or two players.
‘Apart from that, they have signed some good players as well.
‘I think physically they are a very strong team, they can score goals as well.
‘They have a very good home record but also away from home, as they demonstrated against Reading, they can score goals and win games.
‘We want to keep it going so we will try on Saturday to get some more points and keep this little run going.
‘At the end of the day we are still unbeaten and that is good for our mentality, our spirit and our confidence.’
Sheffield United Team News:
United will be without long term injury absentees Derek Geary, Lee Williamson and Gary Naysmith, and there are doubts over Brian Howard and Keith Treacy.
Following a successful recall to the team, Stephen Quinn’s expected to partner Montgomery in midfield.
Predicted team: Bunn, Walker, Morgan, Kilgallon, Taylor, Ward, Montgomery, Quinn, Cotterill, Henderson, Evans.
Player to watch: Jamie Ward
Two goals in three games have led to a call up to the senior Northern Ireland squad, and Ward will know he has something to prove against one of the division’s ‘big hitters’.
West Bromwich Albion Team News:
Following West Brom’s victory over Rotherham United a few players have been rested, but the team that played the game had to endure the 30 minutes extra time. Ex Wednesday man Chris Brunt was ruled out before the game and is a doubt for tomorrow’s game. Robert Koren is a doubt as is Chris Wood.
Player to watch: Youssouf Mulumbu
The DR Congo midfielder was rewarded for his goal against Ipswich with a three year contract in the week and the 22 year old will be looking to put in another powerful display.
Match Facts & Stats
The Last Time:
Blades 1-0 Baggies
James Beattie scored the only goal of the game as Bryan Robson claimed his first victory as Blades boss.
The one to forget:
It has to be the ‘Battle of Bramall Lane’. Georges Santos, Simon Tracey and Patrick Suffo all received red, before Rob Ullathorne and Michael Brown were withdrawn with injury; the game was subsequently abandoned with WBA 3-0 in front leading to all manner of allegations and controversy.
The one to remember:
Baggies 0-2 Blades
The Baggies were promoted following the infamous game above, but when they were relegated the following season it meant the two sides would face each other again. Ashley Ward and Michael Tonge both hit the net to give the Blades revenge at the Hawthorns.
Ref Watch:
P Crossley will officiate the game. His last United game was the trip to Carrow Road last season that ended in defeat in the closing moments.
Match Prediction:
I see a game similar to the Birmingham City match last year when the Blades came out 2-1 winners, in a stunning game. West Brom will be very dangerous, especially if Brunt and Koren make it, but I think this could be a high scoring 3-3 (So, run down to the bookies and stick it on 0-0).
Next Fixtures:
A two week break due to international games means that the Blades have to wait a fortnight before travelling to Pride Park to face Nigel Clough’s Derby County.