Any hopes of Sheffield United reviving their season and turning what has been a disappointing campaign into a cheerful ending, were made virtually impossible following a 0-0 draw at home to Barnsley in last Saturday's South Yorkshire Derby, leaving Blades fans to dream what might have been and enjoy the last two remaining fixtures at Coventry City tomorrow and against Scunthorpe United next Sunday.
Prior to United's score-less draw with the Tykes, they had gone throughout April unbeaten having racked up three wins and a draw since losing 3-1 at Southend United on 30th March. The current scenario leaves the S2 club needing to win both of their remaining fixtures which praying that either; Barnsley (v Colchester United), Gillingham (at Burton Albion) and Scunthorpe United (v Port Vale) fail to gain maximum points from their respected fixtures this weekend.
Sheffield United and Barnsley played out a goalless draw in a fiercely contested South Yorkshire derby at Bramall Lane. The Blades remain unbeaten in April while Barnsley made it four games without defeat. Barnsley created the first clear-cut opportunity when Ashley Fletcher's pass into the box found Adam Hammill, whose shot was parried by United keeper George Long before it was cleared.
United came close in the 24th minute when a strong run by Ryan Flynn created an opening for Che Adams, whose powerful shot from the edge of the box was tipped onto the post by visiting keeper Adam Davies. Flynn chased down the rebound but his effort was deflected for a corner.
Fletcher then had a 'goal' disallowed after he had fouled Flynn in the build-up. Flynn had got himself into trouble, running into his own box before going to ground under pressure from the on-loan striker. Alex Baptiste's looping delivery into the box late on was met by Billy Sharp, but his header was easily caught by Davies as the points were shared.
Sheffield United boss Nigel Adkins is likely to field the same starting line-up for the sixth straight fixture. United no new injury or suspension concerns as his side bid to extend their unbeaten run to six matches. Defender John Brayford remains side-lined due to a calf injury sustained at the end of last month that may have ended his season early.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Coventry City 1 Sheffield United 2
