The Blades come into this fixture on back of a 1-0 victory over bottom of the table Peterborough United at Bramall Lane, it wasn't a sweet performance by United but non the less was at times attractive - The Posh were subjected to long range shots throughout the match as they failed to find a foothold in the final third.
The goal came shortly before half-time by a neat run from Jamie Ward on the right hand side, he fed in Ched Evans who's shot was saved by keeper Joe Lewis but debutant Henri Camara (42 minutes) was in the right place to tap home his first goal for the club. Prior to that Evans had almost gifted the Blades a lead when his shot following a corner smashed the underside of the cross bar.
In the second half the visitors were handed a lifeline when Craig Mackail-Smith went tumbling down in the box under a challenge from Andrew Davies with a penalty being awarded. George Boyd stepped up but Blades shot stopper Mark Bunn was equal to it.
Blades boss Kevin Blackwell is boosted by the return of striker Darius Henderson; the former Watford and Reading forward sat out the 1-0 win over Peterborough United via suspension after he had picked up five yellow cards during the course of the season.
However he will be without the services of winger David Cotterill who has joined Swansea City on loan until January before
completing a permanent move once the transfer window re-opens.
Possible Blades Line-Up: Mark Bunn, Kyle Walker, Chris Morgan, Andrew Davies, Matthew Kilgallon, Jamie Ward, James Harper, Lee Williamson, Stephen Quinn, Darius Henderson, Ched Evans.
Bristol City return to Ashton Gate following their 4-1 defeat at West Bromwich Albion last weekend - Jerome Thomas (3) got the Baggies off to a quick-fire start whilst Chris Brunt (12) added a second. In the second half Simon Cox (46 & 48) found the net in quick succession to make it 4-0 before Paul Hartley curled home a free-kick seven minutes from time to hand the visitors a scant consolation.
Ashton Gate has however become somewhat of a fortress this season; in their eight Championship fixtures the Robins have failed to record a defeat (five wins) which has seen them stake victories against Middlesbrough (2-1) and Blackpool (2-0); but may consider themselves somewhat fortuitess at home to Crystal Palace when the Eagles clearly found the back of the net, the ball struck the stantion before bouncing out with a goal kick being rewarded - Nicky Maynard then scored a last minute winner.
However they have failed to win in their last three fixtures home or away, they drew 1-1 at home to Sheffield Wednesday on 31 October and have since then recorded a 1-1 draw (at Nottingham Forest) and a 4-1 defeat (at West Bromwich Albion) on their travels.
Robins boss Gary Johnson is hoping that defender Bradley Orr (calf) returns from injury and can re-join the starting eleven, should he return he is likley to replace Cole Skulse who has deputised well in his absence. However Liam Fontaine (ankle) is likley to miss out whilst Brian Wilson (shin) is a long term injury.
Possible Robins Line-Up: Dean Gerken, Jamie McAlister, Jamie McCombe, Louis Carey, Lewin Nyatanga, Marvin Elliott, Paul Hartley, Cole Skuse, Evander Sno, Nicky Maynard, Danny Haynes.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Bristol City 0-0 Sheffield United
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:: Match Officials ::
Referee: A. Hall
Assistants: K. Hayward & D. Richards
Fourth Official: J. Farris