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The Blades last game was at Bramall Lane on Saturday against Preston North End where there were some controversial decisions. Richard Cresswell was judged to have been brought down in penalty area but nothing was given, United raced up the pitch where Michael Tonge provided a cross to Car Asaba, however Graham Alexander attempted to head ball out but his bullet header flew into top corner. Soon after Mark Rankin was sent off after protesting about the penalty.
Missing from the Preston victory was Stuart McCall who was suspended for one match which we assume that McCall will go straight into the squad on Thursday to face Walsall. Missing could be Jon Harley as Neil Warnock is attempting to re-sign Harley on loan from Premiership Fulham. Other than them there should be no other changes to the squad.
Possible Line-Up (4-4-2): Paddy Kenny, Phil Jagielka, Shaun Murphy, Robert Page, Jon Harley, Peter Ndlovu, Stuart McCall, Michael Brown, Michael Tonge, Steve Kabba, Wayne Allison.
On Saturday Walsall played away at Carrow Road against high-flyers Norwich City and can be considered to be very unlucky as they went down to a 2-1 defeat despite taking the lead. The goal came from a
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Clint Easton own-goal just five minutes into the second half, though five minutes later Canaries were soon chirping as Mackay slammed in the equaliser.
It took City a further five minutes to put in the winner as Mulryne did on hour mark. There was good news for Blades fans though as new loan signing Gareth Ainsworth received a red card just 90 seconds into his Saddlers debut (referee R. Beeby is on my Christmas card list).
Walsall are expecting a record crowed of over 10,000 at there Bescot Stadium though fears are that it wont reach that number. Notably missing from the Saddlers line-up is star keeper Jimmy Walker as he will miss the game through suspension after receiving a red card the other game.
Colin Lee's star player is Brazilian born Junior who has notched nine goals in twelve games, though there weak link is their defence as they have conceded just 40 goals all season (20 at home) whilst scoring 37 (22 at home).
Possible Line-Up (4-4-2): Gavin Ward, Darren Bazeley, Ian Roper, Danny Hay, Zigor Aranalde, Darren Wrack, Danny Sonner, Martin O'Connor, Steve Corica, Jorge Leitao, Junior.
Blades-Mad would like to thank Steve Roy and Dave Hawkes (Walsall-Mad) for helping us with this match preview.
Our last meeting with Walsall at the Bescot Stadium ended 2-1 to United in November 2001. Early on Blades defender Ben Doane was sent off unfairly while score was at 1-0. It was Walsall who made the first move when Darren Wrack put Saddlers in front. On 43rd minute Michael Brown gave United a leveler when his thundering 18 yard shot found the bottom corner of goal. Two minutes later Paul Peschisoldo was brought down for a penalty, Shane Nicholson scored the penalty but Ian Roper was sent off for his troubles.
Prediction: Walsall have a decent side from that of last season and will not make it easy for United, especially if they ground is full. I believe that United will win this game 3-0 which would give them their 10th unbeaten game.