The Blades face their second away game in three days against fourth bottom Leyton Orient. United coming off the back of an impressive four-two win over Preston on Wednesday will be looking to make this their first back to back wins since early September. Although, fourth bottom Orient have found themselves in a rich vain of form recently that has seen them pick up nine points from their last three games, and a win tomorrow would drag them out of the relegation places.Nevertheless the O’s have struggled in front of home support and this could be a big factor going into tomorrow.
After a poor start to the season ex-Blade Russell Slade’s team have risen from the foot of the table in the last couple of weeks. Strikers Dean Cox and ex-Premier League hitman Kevin Lisbie have found their goalscoring form of late and this has led to the O’s racking up 8 goals in their last four league matches. The Blades will have to be wary of this threat and make sure they do not drop points where fellow promotion chasers Preston and Huddersfield have done before.
Conversely the Blades have suffered as of late, only picking 4 points from their last four matches. However, United would have taken heart from Wednesday’s result and will be looking to maintain this confidence into the important clash with MK Dons on Tuesday.
Vital Quotes:
Danny Wilson on Blackpool loan duo
‘Matty was a direct threat and sometimes when you’re not aware of these players, then you can be taken by surprise. Overall he was very, very effective and he does his defensive work very well. He’s a good team guy.”
‘Billy Clarke is very good. You get the ball to his feet and he’s bright as a button. He’s something we’ve not had all season, someone in that little pocket that I like to have to play people in.’
Leyton Orient Team News:
After a poor start to the season ex-Blade Russell Slade’s team have risen from the foot of the table in the last couple of weeks. Strikers Dean Cox and ex-Premier League hitman Kevin Lisbie have found their goalscoring form of late and this has led to the O’s racking up 8 goals in their last four league matches. The Blades will have to be wary of this threat and make sure they do not drop points where fellow promotion chasers Preston and Huddersfield have done before.
Leyton Orient will be without Tottenham loanee Ben Alnwick between the posts with Lee Butcher likely to replace him.
Both Defender Ben Chorley and Jimmy Smith are still suffering from thigh injuries and they will be hard pressed to feature tomorrow.
Long term absentees include David Button and Jamie Jones.
Player to watch: Dean Cox
This winger is small and nippy and will test the United full back whenever he has the ball at his feet. He likes to come in and has grabbed more than the odd goal or two with his tally already at six. He also has one hell of a shot as Preston found out three weeks ago.
Sheffield United Team News:
With the Blades having played three games in a matter of six days it would not be a surprise if Danny Wilson made a few changes to his starting line up. Lee Williamson after staking his claim with a brace on Wednesday will be vying for a midfield slot. With McDonald showing signs of injury and fatigue in the late stages of the match at Deepdale, it may be he that is replaced.
United were boosted by the introduction of both Blackpool loanees on Wednesday Clarke and Phillips and they should once again fill the positions on the wing and up front. Danny Wilson may keep to his system of rotating his strikers and this may lead to Porter being swapped for either Evans or Cresswell.
The defence is likely to be unchanged, with under pressure keeper Simonsen set to start between the sticks.
Probable Starting XI
GK Simonsen
Lowton Maguire Collins Williams
Phillips Williamson Monty Quinn
Evans Clarke
Player to watch: Matt Phillips
After scoring two goals during midweek and being involved in evrything that was good in attack, Matt Phillips is the man to watch. He provides United with something they have lacked all season, width. This benefits the whole teaqm allowing the pitch to be opened up and allow more football to be played.
Match Facts & Stats
Leyton Orient currently lie 6th in the League One form table whereas, United are at a lowly sixteenth. However, United have won 4 of their six against teams from the bottom half of the table and are forth in the away form league, with Leyton Orient 20th in the home form league.
Match Prediction:
After the Blades win on Wednesday and Leyton Orient’s struggles at home I can only see this as an away win. The inclusion of Clarke and Phillips make the Blades a completely different proposition. Expect there to be goals.