Blades v Royals Preview

Last updated : 18 March 2011 By @blades_mad1889

After that dramatic win against Leeds, the Blades next opponents where Ipswich Town at Bramall Lane, the game ended 0-0 with Darren Bent having the best chance of the game when he struck the post.

Notably missing from the Blades squad will be Michael Boulding and Robert Kozluk as both are still out through injury. During our game with Ipswich, striker Wayne Allison went off injured but we are unknown how serious it is and that if he will start on Saturday.

United are likely to start with a 4-4-2 formation and if Allison is not fit we reckon that Paul Peschisolido will start. Jon Harley is also likely to start after he impressed against Ipswich.

Likely line-up: Paddy Kenny, Phil Jagielka, Shaun Murphy, Robert Page, Jon Harley, Peter Ndlovu, Michael Brown, Stuart McCall, Michael Tonge, Carl Asaba, Wayne Allison.

While The Red and White Wizards were drawing against Ipswich, The Royals were making sure they jumped above United and they did by beating Gillingham 1-0 through a Rougier goal with eight minutes to go at the Priestfield Stadium.

The Royals are in good form going into Saturday's clash with the

Blades at Bramall Lane. However, Matthew Upson, on loan from Arsenal, is rated as doubtful for the game after suffering a serious gash to the head during last week's 1-0 win over Gillingham. Should he miss out then John Mackie should come into replace him.

Ricky Newman misses the match through suspension having picked up five bookings already this season. Anthony Rougier could come into replace him.

Darius Henderson, Bas Savage and Adie Whitbread are all long-term injury absentees.

Probable Royals Line-Up: (4-5-1) Marcus Hahnemann, Graeme Murty, John Mackie, Adie Williams, Nicky Shorey, Anthony Rougier, James Harper, Andy Hughes, Kevin Watson, John Salako, Nicky Forster.

We would like to thank Reading Mad, Rob Cooper (www.reading-mad.co.uk) editor who has helped to provide us with information.

During the 1997/98 season United met Reading twice at Bramall Lane, the first was in FACup round five where United won 1-0 thanks to a rear Lee Sandford goal, Carl Asaba played for Royals in this game.

Our second meeting was six fixtures later where United hammered Reading to a 4-0 victory. Graham Stuart scored on edge of half-time and Marcello made it two one minute into second half. Gareth Taylor grabbed a goal on 54th minute and Wayne Quinn fired in a 20 yard volley into top corner in last kick of the game.

Prediction: With both sides being level on points it is vital that United win this tie, I believe they will as they are at home and with fans as 12th man they can beat anyone on there day.