Match Preview: Blades v Aston Villa

Last updated : 07 January 2005 By @blades_mad1889

Alan Wright: Pictured against Colchester last season will be eager to play against his former club.
The Blades go into the game having claimed a big win in the capital against West Ham United. Thomas Repka put through his own net to open the scoring whist Leigh Bromby's stunning 18 yard thunderbolt secured the points for the visitors.

United though will have to do it without captain Chris Morgan who picked up his fifth booking of the season and will be suspended, Phil Jagielka should take up the captaincy for this game.

Warnock has several options available, one of which could be to revert back to a flat back four, with midfielder Paul Thirlwell returning to the starting line-up.

"We don't have any new injuries and I have a virtually full squad to choose from," said Neil. "We had an horrendous few weeks with injuries earlier in the season, so I'm pleased it has now calmed down a bit.

"We have a number of smashing lads on the bench. They are all trying to fight there way into the team, such as Paul Thirlwell, Alan Wright, Simon Francis and Chris Montgomery. They have been patient, worked hard in training and I'm sure they will get their chance."

The Blades boss also gave an update on the progress of strikers Steve Kabba and Ashley Ward.

He said: "Both Steve and Ashley are about two to three weeks away from playing a game. Obviously they can still have a setback, but it would be a massive boost for us if they can get fit. Their addition to the strike-force would be a big plus."

SHEFFIELD UNITED

Paddy Kenny, Leigh Bromby, Danny Cullip, Phil Jagielka, Alan Wright, Michael Tonge, Paul Thirlwell, Alan Quinn, Jon Harley, Andy Gray, Danny Cadamarteri.

Our Visitors, Aston Villa also played in the capital on Monday but the Birmingham side left with a 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, Andy Johnson netted both goals.

The Villa welcome back skipper Olef Mellberg who returns from suspension whilst Thomas 'The Hammer' Hitzlsperger is likely to be out after missing seven games with a thigh injury.

Striker Carlton Cole could also be recalled, the on-loan Chelsea forward has sit out the last two games against Blackburn and Palace to a knee injury.

England striker Darius Vassell and Martin Laursen are long term injury's as they attempt to recover from ankle and knee problems.

ASTON VILLA

Thomas Sorensen, Gareth Barry, Jlloyd Samuel, Mark Delaney, Liam Ridgewell, Gavin McCann, Lee Hendrie, Stephen Davis, Nolberto Solano, Ulises De la Cruz, Juan Pablo Angel.