The weather was cruel for the Blades last Saturday as they celebrated 125 years has a football club, perhaps it was a sign of things to come. As rain blanketed the Stel City the Bramall Lane club saw there 11 match unbeaten run washed away by a organised Wolverhampton Wanderers who took what little chances came their way whilst United, along with good keeper from Carl Ikeme failed to put away those which fell their way as the Blades fell to a two goal defeat.
James Henry and Dave Edwards were both on target as Sky Bet League One leaders Wolves ended Sheffield United's 11-game unbeaten run with a 2-0 success at Bramall Lane. After the game kicked off at 1.25pm to celebrate the Blades' 125th birthday, Henry ruined the party when he saw his 13th-minute cross go straight in to open the scoring, prior to a close-range finish from fellow midfielder Edwards early in the second half. Blades midfielder Stefan Scougall forced a fine save from Wolves goalkeeper Carl Ikeme early on before Henry's out-swinging delivery from the right evaded Edwards and United keeper Mark Howard to creep in at the far post. Henry then hit a curling effort against the right-hand upright while United defender John Brayford had a close-range attempt cleared off the line by Richard Stearman on the stroke of half-time.Edwards emphatically converted Henry's deflected right-wing centre into the bottom right-hand corner in the 53rd minute before striker Leon Clarke wasted a golden chance to put the result beyond doubt when he shot over with only Howard to beat.
The result left United eleventh in the table (and those with still the hope of making it into the top six) and with Peterborough United falling to a 1-0 home defeat to Rotherham United, leaving the Blades and the Posh with a ten point difference and a game in hand. A victory tonight, married with results elsewhere could see the Blades jump to eighth in the table.
Blades boss Nigel Clough has no injury concerns to deal with, however he is without left full-backs Bob Harris (thigh) and Matt Hill (hamstring) leaving Kieron Freeman to fill the gap. Strikers Billy Paynter and Chris Porter will be looking for re-starts after Shaun Miller joined Shrewsbury Town on loan.
Following an incredible victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers (2-1) a week ago follwed up by a 1-0 defeat at Oldham Athletic - former Blade Danny Philliskirk netted the games only goal has the Latics beat the Red Devils by a single goal at Boundary Park. The result put Town twelth in the league and victory tonight would see them jump oppenents Sheffield United - hopefully that won't happen!
The Red Devils are likley to make changes following the 1-0 defeat in Lancashire and may start Jamie Proctor and Paul Connolly ahead of Sullay Kaikai and Mark Connolly. Meanwhile former Barnsley and Swansea City forward Rory Fallon is vying for a re-start after the New Zealander returned to the bench after recovering from injury.
Red Devils boss John Gregory is likely to field defender Kyle McFadzean and forward Billy Clarke to face their former club. McFadzean, older brother of Callum was on Sheffield United's books between September 2005 and October 2006 in the Academy- he left to join non-leaguers Alfreton Town having failed to make any professional appearances with the Blades.
Clarke was signed on loan from then club Blackpool in October 2011 and caused a media frenzy when he (along with Matt Phillips) helped United win 4-2 at Preston on their debuts. Clarke failed to score to created two assists and netted his first goal in a 4-4 home draw with Exeter City before (in November) returning to Bloomfield Road having made 6 appearances and scored once.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Crawley Town 0 Sheffield United 1