Sheffield United are facing an injury crisis ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Blackburn Rovers at Bramall Lane.
Leigh Bromby is not expected to recover from a knock, and Craig Short and Claude Davis, thought to be in contention earlier in the week, are unlikely to be risked with the new season barely a month old. David Sommeil could deputise for Bromby at right-back, with Phil Jagielka and Chris Morgan set to continue at centre half. On a pleasing note, Neil Warnock has stated that goalkeeper Paddy Kenny will play after recovering from a blood clot in his leg.
In midfield, Nick Montgomery is definitely out after undergoing ankle surgery on Wednesday. Either the fit-again Paul Ifill or former Rovers star Keith Gillespie, who played in Northern Ireland`s dramatic 3-2 victory over Spain in midweek, should occupy the right wing slot. With Phil Jagielka covering at centre half, Warnock must decide whether to continue with Mikele Leigertwood in the holding role or promote Alan Quinn, who at least had a go when he came off the bench at Fulham, to the starting eleven.
Upfront, Rob Hulse and Danny Webber will probably be afforded another opportunity to develop their embryonic partnership. Forwards Ade Akinbiyi, Christian Nade and new signing Colin Kazim-Richards could all take their places on the bench as United desperately chase their first three points of the season.
Saturday heralds a crucial period for Warnock`s men with three of their next four games coming at home. If the Blades are to preserve their Premiership status they must make Bramall Lane the proverbial fortress. Visitor`s Blackburn, despite their mediocre start with just one point from three games leaving them bottom, will present a severe examination of United`s survival credentials. Under the outstanding guidance of Mark Hughes, Blackburn secured a place in the UEFA cup after finishing sixth last season and were only four points off a Champions League place.
However, it`s been a testing period for all concerned at Ewood Park lately. Craig Bellamy departed for Liverpool for a bargain £6million after exercising a clause in his contract. Paul Dickov returned to Manchester City and Shefki Kuqi joined Crystal Palace on deadline day. In addition, Australian pair Lucas Neill and Brett Emerton expressed their desire to move to pastures new. Neill and Emerton remain Rovers players for now.
Mark Hughes has been busy revamping his attack. Jason Roberts, Benni MCarthy and Francis Jeffers have been drafted in and this week were joined by Shabani Nonda on loan from Roma. Roberts` and McCarthy`s blend of pace and power has the makings of an exciting partnership. Rovers will undoubtedly be a threat upfront, and the energy of Steven Reid and Robbie Savage combined with the goal threat of Morten Gamst Pedersen comprise a formidable midfield.
Defensively, however, Rovers can be got at, as ten defeats on the road last season testifies. A 3-0 drubbing at Portsmouth on the opening day suggests Rovers have much to do to improve their away record. They have been further weakened by the absence of the reliable centre half Ryan Nelsen through injury. Hughes has attempted to strengthen his backline with the capture of Andre Ooiijer from PSV Eindhoven. But the Dutchman endured a nightmare start to his Blackburn career, being responsible for both Chelsea`s goals in the home defeat a fortnight ago.
If United can fend off Roberts and McCarthy they could eek out a narrow win. But the prevailing opinion is that Blackburn won`t be propping up the table for long. The Blades may have to make do with a point, with winnable home matches against Reading and Middlesbrough to follow this month.
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