With the exception of friendlies, the Blades have met Burton only once in their history at the Pirelli Stadium. This was on 30th August 2011 in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. Albion had lead the match via Justin Richards '73 minute goal, but late goals from David McAllister, '76 and Erik Tonne, '80, United won the game 2-1. There have been two further meetings, both at Bramall Lane (2012 & 2013) in the League Cup and both resulting in a Burton victory.
Last Saturday, Sheffield United put a stop to their winless streak of three matches after beating Doncaster Rovers by three goals to one, in the local South Yorkshire Derby - taking them back to sixth in the league table.
Chris Basham gave United the lead before Cameron Stewart equalised for Doncaster, only for Conor Sammon and Billy Sharp to secure the win at Bramall Lane after Gary MacKenzie was dismissed. United took the lead in the 17th minute, with Basham firing home from inside the area from Craig Alcock's cross. Doncaster struck back, though, Stewart's 25-yard free kick curling to the left of goalkeeper Mark Howard and into the net.
The Blades retook the lead in the 35th minute when Alcock again whipped a ball in from the right-hand side for Sammon to score at the back post. It soon got worse for the visitors as MacKenzie was given a red card after his high foot caught Alcock following a Doncaster corner. The hosts had a penalty shout in the second half when Che Adams received a yellow card for simulation but Sharp secured the three points in the 79th minute anyway after rounding Thorsten Stuckmann and firing into an empty net.
Blades boss Nigel Adkins will be without the services of, Matt Done (collarbone), John Brayford, Bob Harris, Stefan Scougall (calf) and Terry Kennedy (knee), whom all remain side-lined through injury. Defender Craig Alcock became the latest casualty (bruised hip) to the injury list, after he was substituted at half-time during the win over Rovers, his injury was most likely caused in the incident which led to Gary MacKenzie's dismissal. They are also expected to be without Jay McEvereley (pelvis) and Jamal Campbell-Ryce (ankle) through injury.
Burton Albion vs. Sheffield United
Tuesday, 29th September 2015
League One, Kick-Off: 7.45pm
The Brewers have established themselves well since earning promotion last season, and under boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who is more formerly connected with Chelsea, Leeds United and Netherlands, will no doubt be looking for back-to-back promotions. The Blades will naturally be eager to block any further attempts of extending their lead at the top, but have excelled themselves having won their last three League One fixtures on the bounce.
Rochdale and Swindon Town were their victims, but needed a last gasp winner at Chesterfield last Saturday to gain maximum points. So far, only Barnsley and Coventry City have beaten the Brewers in the Football League this season.
A dramatic late winner from substitute Jerome Binnom-Williams earned a 2-1 victory at Chesterfield that kept Burton on top of Sky Bet League One. Chesterfield had taken an early lead through a Sam Hird header but after Stuart Beavon equalised at the start of the second half, Binnom-Williams stole it on the break in stoppage time. Burton went behind in the second minute when goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin failed to collect a corner and Hird headed into the empty net from four yards.
The Brewers should have equalised in the 10th minute when Lucas Akins went clear but he dragged his shot wide and Chesterfield's Gboly Ariyibi headed over in the 27th minute. Burton were level inside the first minute of the second half when Beavon pounced on a rebound at the near post, and Akins struck the underside of the bar in the 50th minute. Chesterfield substitute Armand Gnanduillet headed against a post, but in the fourth minute of added time Binnom-Williams raced clear to fire low past Tommy Lee.
Brewers boss Hasselbaink is expected to see Shane Cansdell-Sherriff available for selection, after he missed the victory at the Proact Stadium due to a minor injury, and is likely to replace Anthony O'Connor at centre-half. Meanwhile Callum Reilly (knock) remains doubtful and on loan Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Zeli Ismail has returned to training.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Burton Albion 1 Sheffield United 2
