Sunday, 30 April 2006
Sheffield United v Crystal Palace
Bramall Lane, 1:30pm
Neil Warnock has no fresh injury doubts from the side that drew 1-1 at Luton Town last weekend, though he could be tempted to pit Jonathan Forte's wit's against a strong Palace squad. Although he featured early on in the Blades Carling Cup campaign Forte has seen great experience in League One at spells with Rotherham United and Doncaster Rovers on loan respectively.
The Blades bosses dilemma is whom to pick up front, Danny Webber could start but he could pick from one or two of four former Palace strikers; Steven Kabba, Neil Shipperley, Adi Akinbiyi and Bruce Dyer.
This should be an emotional day for all Blades fans, apart from leaving the Championship or the first time since 1990 the Blades will lift a specially produced trophy which was created by league sponsors Coca-Cola. In the past no one has ever acknowledged promotion to the Premiership via second spot with a trophy.
Also saying goodbye is Defender Craig Short (aged 37) who has announced his retirement and should play his last game in professional football on Sunday.
Possible Starting Line-Up: Paddy Kenny, Derek Geary, Craig Short, Chris Morgan, David Unsworth, Paul Ifill, Michael Tonge, Phil Jagielka, Chris Armstrong, Danny Webber, Neil Shipperley.
Eagles boss Ian Dowie could feature a low key squad as the domestic season ends with the knowledge that they will take part in the Play-Offs and could join United and Reading in top flight.
Palace are currently lying in 6th spot but a win could see them in 5th position if other play-off rivals Preston lose at Leeds United who occupy 4th spot.
Also free of injuries Palace could tinker with their squad, resting Andy Johnson and Clinton Morrison for the play-offs. After recent explosive performances former Grimsby defender Danny Butterfield should retain his place.
Possible Palace Line-Up: Gabor Kiraly, Fitz Hall, Tony Popovic, Danny Butterfield, Michael Hughes, Marco Reich, Gary Borrowdale, Jobi McAnuff, Ben Watson, Dougie Freedman, Andy Johnson.