Match Preview: Sheffield United v Boston United

Last updated : 22 August 2005 By @blades_mad1889

Wycombe Wanderers v Lincoln City (2004/05): Ben Futcher (4) will be suspended for the trip to Bramall Lane.
In fact, the Blades have never met the Pilgrims in a league game, the only time the two sides met was in a FA Cup Round 4 tie in December 1982. The origional game on the 11th was drawn 1-1 and the replay was won by the Blades 5-1 three days later.

United go into the game after that dramatic 2-1 victory over Preston North End in the Championship. Paul McKenna handed the visitors a 35th minute lead with an unstoppable free-kick before Neil Shipperley's over head kick ten minutes later put the Blades level.

The winner though didn't come until the dieing minutes when, already one minute into injury time after the 90 Phil Jagielka stooped in a header which Danny Webber toe poked in at the crucial minute to seal the win.

The Blades could welcome back Midfielder Lilian Nalis who missed last Saturday's game through tonsillitis whilst Michael Tonge could be given a rest with Alan Quinn favourite to take his place.

New signing David Unsworth could be handed his debut for the home side, the 31 year old defender signed today could fill a gap in the middle of the back four.

Other players who could be drafted in are Robert Kozluk, Keith Gillespie and Paul Shaw, whilst Phil Barnes could make only his second start for United if Paddy Kenny is rested.

Possible Blades Line-up: Paddy Kenny, Robert Kozluk David Unsworth, Chris Morgan, Jon Harley, Alan Quinn, Lilian Nalis, Nick Montgomery, Paul Ifill, Neil Shipperley, Paul Shaw.

The Pilgrims suffered an away defeat at Cheltenham Town. The Whaddon Road club road home 3-0 winners with Damian Spenser, Jamie Victory and a Futcher own goal to complete the rout. The day got worst for Boston when Futcher received his second yellow card of the day with ten minutes left.

Missing from their starting line-up will be former Lincoln City Defender Ben Futcher who sits out through suspension whilst Steve Melton is a long term absentee with a back injury.

Also missing through injury is Mark Greaves, Graves missed the defeat at Whaddon Road but they Welcome back former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan after recovering from a virus.

Possible Pilgrims Line-up: Nathan Abbey, Lee Canoville, Gavin Johnson, Danny Thomas, Alan White, Austin McCann, Chris Holland, David Noble, Stewart Talbot, Jason Lee, Julian Joachim.

Blades-Mad Prediction: Sheffield United 3-0 Boston United