Sheffield United vs. Brentford

Last updated : 22 March 2013 By @blades_mad1889

Blades boss Danny Wilson will be looking to reserve the defeat inflicted by Stevenage last weekend which resulted in a four nil 'hammering' from the home side and a hat-trick for Boro striker Dani Lopez (41, 50 & 64 minutes), he had ironically recently been recalled from Brentford to aid their injury crisis in attack; Lucas Atkins (69) added the fourth which after other results sank United to fourth position in the league table.

He is expected to be without duo Diego DeGirolamo (knee) and Lesinel Jean-François who have both required surgery to aid in there recovery and will not be included in tomorrow's line-ups. Wilson said; "Diego (De Girolamo) had his scan and underwent surgery straight away on a ruptured cruciate ligament. It will keep him sidelined for the long-term; we are certainly looking at a minimum of six months, which will mean he will miss the start of next season.

"The same goes for Lecsinel (Jean-Francois), who has had the same operation. During a scan it was discovered he had a ruptured cruciate, the same as Diego. It is a real blow for both lads and I can honestly say I am gutted for them. It isn't easy for anybody, but especially for a young lad who had all the excitement of the run-in in front of him. For Lecs, it just seems to be one thing after another, but as with Shaun (Miller) they will both have all our support and backing to get them back fit as soon as possible."

Meanwhile winger Jamie Murphy (hamstring) who exited last weekends game at the Lamex Stadium due to injury is listed as doubtful and may be included against the Bees.

A last minute penalty at home to Preston North End was enough to seal a victory which sent them to second in the league behind Doncaster Rovers, the goal was netted by Sam Saunders - his second spot kick conversion in their last two matches.

Brentford have stormed to second in the League One table, they look good for promotion but like United will have a hard battle ahead of them. They were the last team (prior to Stevenage) to beat the Blades away from Bramall Lane when on 24 November the Bees recorded a 2-0 victory.

Bees boss Uwe Rosler (formerly a player with Manchester City and Southampton) is likely to field the same side which beat the Lilywhites 1-0 with midfielder Harry Forrester (knee) retaining a place on the bench after recovering from injury. Farid El Alagui and Kevin O'Connor are back in full training following long-term injuries.

The Bees could field former Sheffield United trialist Shaleum Logan, 23 who played for the Blades in pre-season fixtures against Mansfield Town and Burton Albion in July 2010. He had initially joined from Manchester City but failed to secure a contract. He has also represented Stockport County, Scunthorpe United, Grimsby Town and Tranmere Rovers on loan.

:: Head-to-Head ::

Brentford were formed in the same glorious year as the Blades in 1889 but they didn't first meet in the league until December 1934 in the Second Division where at Bramall Lane the Bees won 2-1 - United were languishing below mid-table whilst Brentford were top of the league. Later in the season, on 4 May capped winning the league with a 3-1 victory.

Overall the London club have the better record between the two clubs with 11 wins to United's 8, but at Bramall Lane it's fairly even with four wins each from twelve matches. Earlier in the season the Bees won 2-0 (24 November) with goals from Clayton Donaldson (3) and Harry Forrester (29) which until last weeks defeat at Stevenage was the Blades last defeat away from home.

League form versus Brentford....
  P W D L F A
Home 12 4 4 4 22 17
Away 13 4 2 7 17 21
Total 25 8 6 11 39 38

* Statistics correct up to and including 18 March 2013

Blades-Mad Prediction: Sheffield United 2-1 Brentford