Match Preview: Sheffield United v Millwall

Last updated : 18 November 2005 By @blades_mad1889

Paul Ifill: Up against his old club.
United ended their fortnight break on a high note after a spectacular performance against Crystal Palace as the Blades rode out 3-2 winners.

The Bramall Lane club will be without Jonathan Forte who has returned to Doncaster Rovers to complete his loan spell and will return on 24 December.

Our last meeting against the Lions was only on 18 October, some 31 days ago, but Colin Lee will find it hand to reverse the 4-0 defeat they endured that day. Their only redemption is that goalscorers on that day Danny Webber and Vincent Pericard will be on the bench but Alan Quinn will play.

Predicted Blades Line-Up: Paddy Kenny, Leigh Bromby, Chris Morgan, David Unsworth, Alan Wright, Paul Ifill, Phil Jagielka, Nick Montgomery, Alan Quinn, Neil Shipperley, Steven Kabba.

It is amazing to think that Millwall, only one and a bit years ago took part in the final of the biggest cup final in the World. Only Ruud van Nistelrooy stopped the Lions achieving their dream as Manchester United lifted the FA Cup.

Now, the London club are struggling to make ends meat, their former manager Steve Claridge lasted just 39 days before resigning, this before a ball was kicked. Prior to that they saw their major players such as Ifill and Danny Dichio leave the club.

New manager Colin Lee (formerly with Wolves and Walsall) has helped float the boat but with little money to spend it will be a tall order for them not to prop up the division in the bottom three, a 2-1 win at Hillsborough on 17 September was there last win in the league.

However they are relying on loan signings to bring them out of trouble; Paul Jones (Wolves), Philip Ifil (Tottenham), Jermaine Wright (Leeds), Ady Williams (Coventry) and former Barnsley striker Bruce Dyer (Stoke) have all been drafted in from various clubs.

Lee has been recently boosted with the return of left-back Jamie Vincent who stared in last Tuesday's 3-3 reserve draw against QPR but came off in the second half with a calf injury which is not thought to be serious.

The New Den boss will defiantly be without central-defenders Matt Lawrence and Mark Philips whilst Ady Williams is doubtful, striker Carlos Fangueiro has returned to training.

Predicted Lions Line-Up: Paul Jones, Tony Craig, Philip Ifil, Alan Dunne, Paul Robinson, Matt Lawrence, David Livermore, Marvin Elliott, Jermaine Wright, Barry Hayles, Bruce Dyer.

Blades-Mad Prediction: Sheffield United 3-0 Millwall