For the first time since January, the Blades go into a game on the back of a league win. Saturday’s 1-0 win at Plymouth was arguably a fortunate one but it has certainly raised spirits around Bramall Lane. Can we now build on that with a late season run of good form and hopefully help shift a few season tickets for next term?
Apart from the 3 points, the positives from Saturday’s win at Plymouth were a clean sheet courtesy of Paddy Kenny, another goal for James Beattie and the continuation of Michael Tonge’s impressive form.
If we’re looking for a negative it is that the win seemed reminisicent of the few we managed under Robson. Few chances created and a backs to the wall effort at times. If more wins are to follow then an improvement in our attacking play is still required.
Tonight’s game is less of a relegation fight than it looked like being at one stage but the drop zone is still a little close for comfort and the sooner we can get to 53 or 54 points the better.
A bit of attacking verve and a few goals would be most welcome. Even on the occasions when we’ve scored 3 this season, we’ve hardly subjected teams to sustained pressure. Whether we can achieve this with Blackwell’s favoured front pairing of Beattie and Sharp is the million dollar question.
Vital Quotes:
Kevin Blackwell has had some words of priase for Paddy Kenny and Billy Sharp this week. Both have come in for criticism recently. He told the official site
On Paddy Kenny
‘It is always nice to play well regardless of your position, because a decent performance gives you more confidence and that is what the game is about. Paddy has been playing well since I arrived and he is a very good keeper who provides an excellent last line of defence, and the defenders definitely appreciate him.
‘The fans love him at the Lane and he has some of his best years in front of him. His performance against Plymouth backed all this up.’
‘It’s a one-off position and you have to be mentally strong because if you make mistakes it normally costs the team.’
On Billy Sharp
‘I look at the situation up front and we aren’t creating enough chances or providing the right service for him to thrive. The service hasn’t been conducive to Billy’s game, although I am sure when he does score it will be the biggest cheer of the season from the crowd because he is a Blade through and through.’
Sheffield United Team News:
Chris Morgan is a major doubt so Ugo Ehiogu could start.
Stephen Quinn is still suspended and Lee Martin and Chris Armstrong miss out through injury.
Player to watch: James Beattie
If he can continue his goalscoring run and end up as the section’s top scorer it will be one positive for the season. It also won’t hurt his price tag if his future is to lie away from Bramall Lane.
Coventry City Team News:
Chris Coleman could name an unchanged line-up from Saturday’s win over Norwich.
Player to watch: Michael Mifsud
Mifsud, a player who Neil Warnock came close to signing last season, has done well for Coventry this season and has been linked with a move away from the Ricoh. Will his pace prove too much for Ehiogu?
Match Facts & Stats
The Blades have a chance to do their first ‘double’ of the season after beating Coventry 1-0 at the Ricoh in December.
Coventry’s last win at the Lane was in September 2001 when Laurent Delorge scored the only goal of the game.
Match Prediction:
I do think we’ll see some improvement in results between now and the season end. I’ll take us to win this won
Next Fixtures:
15th March Norwich (h)
22nd March Barnsley (a)