The Blades were crowed Top of the league after five games after beating Coventry City 2-1, with Reading drawing 0-0 at Watford United were outright in number one spot.
CREWE ALEXANDRA V SHEFFIELD UNITED |
However the Blades were forced to come back from 1-0 down when 24 minutes in James Scowcroft found the net from 8 yards out, three minutes later Steve Kabba was put through by Alan Quinn to fire past Bywater.
On the hour mark the Sky Blues saw Matt Heath dismissed for two cautions by referee Colin Webster and with one minute to go Quinn was fouled in the box where David Unsworth finished the spot kick with style.
United will be waiting the fitness of striker Danny Webber who missed the game through injury. The former Manchester United trainee broke down before the game with a calf strain, Steve Kabba could take his place again if he does not pull through.
However Neil Shipperley may struggle to compete with two matches in three days which could me that the services of Paul Shaw or Jonathan Forte are called upon.
Blades Possible Starting Line-Up: Paddy Kenny, Leigh Bromby, Craig Short, Chris Morgan, David Unsworth, Paul Ifill, Nick Montgomery, Phil Jagielka, Alan Quinn, Neil Shipperley, Steve Kabba.
Fourteenth place Crewe did not get off to a good start this week, having lost 5-1 in the Carling Cup at Lincoln City they travelled to Southampton last Saturday only to be on the wrong end of a 2-0 scoreline.
Dario Gradi's men have a problem in goal, Ben Williams in currently out with a calf injury so Ross Turnbull will take place between the sticks. Turnbull is currently on loan from Middlesbrough but spent some of last season across the City on loan at Barnsley.
Formerly with Darlington and Bradford City on loan the Bishop Auckland born keeper played a total of 27 games during 2003/04 and 2004/05 season for the Oakwell club before heading back to the Riverside. Turnbull will make his home debut against the Blades.
Midfielder Gary Roberts could return to the side after recovering from a foot injury though former Shrewsbury Town striker Luke Rodgers (ankle) will be out.
24 year old striker Juan Ayestarán Ugarte could also be drafted in. The former Real Sociedad striker has only made one appearance since his summer move from Wrexham. His debut came as a substitute in the 2-2 home draw with Leicester before making his full debut in that 5-1 defeat at Sincil Bank.
Alex Possible Starting Line-Up: Ross Turnbull, Anthony Tonkin, Darren Moss, Richard Walker, Adie Moses, Billy Jones, David Vaughan, Kenny Lunt, Luke Varney, Michael Higdon, Mark Rivers.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Crewe Alexandra 1-3 Sheffield United