This first leg tie at the City Ground is very important and there is no doubt in any Blades fans mind that Neil Warnock will play his best possible side (who he picks however is a matter of opinion).
United expect that Paddy Kenny, Phil Jagielka (who has just recently signed a new contract), Michael Brown and Michael Tonge to all return to the first team after they were rested in that 2-0 defeat to Watford last Sunday at Vicarage Road.
However, Aussie Shaun Murphy has been forced to pull out of the Blades play-off campaign as his wife is ill with Cancer, Blades-Mad would like to wish Mrs. Murphy a speedy recovery.
Mark Rankine received a knock against the Hornets, as did Stuart
McCall but both are expected to be fit for the Forest clash. This will leave Neil Warnock the headache of picking his strikers. Carl Asaba and Dean Windass started last Sunday but Steve Kabba, Paul Peschisolido and Wayne Allison could get a starting role.
Forest boss Paul Hart's major doubt is on-loan striker Darren Huckerby, the Manchester City striker played for the reserves in midweek after testing how his leg is following a hamstring problem.
Gareth Williams is suffering from a shoulder injury, the Scottish International has missed Reds last two games but has announced himself fit.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Sheffield United
Before you read the expected line ups, Blades-Mad would like to remind fans of South Yorkshire football that Doncaster Rovers will be playing Division Three football next season if they beat Dagenham & Redbridge in the Nationwide Conference Play-Off Final. We would like to wish Rovers and Dave Penny the very best of luck!
Nottingham Forest (team lime up that played against Rotherham United) Barry Roche |
Sheffield United (team line up that played against Watford) Gary Kelly |