The Blades had won the earlier fixture between these two clubs when they met just prior to Christmas, Billy Sharp netted the game's only goal in front of the Sky cameras but City looked a force to be reckoned with. So much so, that anyone would have tipped them for promotion. But having won 5-0 at Crewe in the first league outing of 2016, they then went five games without a win - before beating Bury 6-0.
It has been a similar pattern in form which has seen Coventry slump to 12th in the table and nothing left to play for except pride. They have won their last two home fixtures against promotion chasing Millwall (2-1) and Bradford City (2-0) but were on the end of a defeat in their last match at relegation threatened Doncaster Rovers.
First-half goals from Tommy Rowe and Andy Williams kept Doncaster's faint hopes of avoiding relegation alive with a 2-0 win against a poor Coventry side. Rovers chalked up their second successive victory at the Keepmoat Stadium in comfortable style after previously failing to win in 10 home games. The home side looked as if they wanted it more against a Coventry side who were way below their best.
Riccardo Calder fired across the face of the Coventry goal in an early attack before Rowe gave them the lead in the 21st minute. James Coppinger floated over a corner from the right and man of the match Rowe charged in to bundle the ball home from close range.
Jacob Murphy had a shot saved by the keeper's legs in a rare Coventry attack before the home side increased their lead in the 32nd minute when Andy Williams headed his 16th goal of the season from close range after latching on to a superb left-wing cross from Nathan Tyson. Coventry's attempts to fight back in the second half were feeble and it was Doncaster who went close to adding a third when Tyson had a downward header superbly saved in the closing stages.
The Sky Blues could be boosted by the return of defender Jordan Willis who played for the Under-21's a week ago against Hull City, after being side-lined through an ankle injury for five months. They are also without former Sheffield Wednesday defender Reda Johnson (hamstring) and Lee Burge (shoulder), both are out until the summer.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Coventry City 1 Sheffield United 2
