Can The Blades Stuff The Canaries

Last updated : 22 August 2003 By @blades_mad1889

Like we said in the introduction our last game was at Upton Park where the Blades drew 0-0 with West Ham United who have recently been relegated from Premier League. Jermain Defoe came close for Hammers as his angled shot hit the post after Kenny saved while Peter Ndlovu came closest for United.

Sheffield United striker Ashley Ward could miss the home clash with former club Norwich City due to a groin injury.

The much-travelled forward sustained the injury in last weekend's 0-0 draw at West Ham United but still played the whole game.

Boss Neil Warnock has admitted Ward is doubtful for the Bramall Lane showdown and will call on Wayne Allison, former City loanee Paul Peschisolido or Andy Parkinson if the former Bradford City hitman fails to make it.

Michael Brown is still troubled by the thigh problem which kept him out of the encounter at Upton Park.

Long-term knee-injury victim Steve Kabba is still some way away from being available for selection.

Norwich will have to cope without strikers David Nielsen, who has

left on a free transfer to Danish side BK Aalborg, and Ian Henderson (England Under-19 duty).

Paul McVeigh could be partnered in attack by Elvis Hammond, who is on a one-month loan deal from Fulham and came on as substitute against Rotherham last week.

Iwan Roberts is in contention for a place in the squad after featuring in the reserve team's 3-0 win against QPR on Wednesday.

Midfielder Damien Francis is also available after recovering from a slight eye injury, meaning Phil Mulryne is again likely to have to settle for a place on the bench.

As for Norwich City, their last game was against Rotherham United at Carrow Road, the Canaries were too strong as they came out clear winners in a 2-0 victory.

Possible Starting Line-Ups

Sheffield United

Norwich City

Paddy Kenny
Phil Jagielka
Chris Morgan
Robert Page
Rob Kozluk
Peter Ndlovu
Nick Montgomery
Stuart McCall
Michael Tonge
Jack Lester
Paul Peschisolido
Green
Drury
Mackay
Fleming
Easton
Edworthy
Francis
Holt
McVeigh
Neilsen
Rivers