Match Preview: Colchester United v Sheffield United

Last updated : 01 February 2008 By @blades_mad1889

U's v Blades
Colchester United will also be looking to get off the back foot following their 1-0 defeat at Barnsley last Tuesday night - Jon Macken netting the games only goal.

The Layer Road club will be without new midfield signing Dean Hammond (suspension) who joined in a £250,000 deal from Brighton & Hove Albion yesterday despite being linked with the Blades.

Sheffield United will be looking for a changed squad after their poor display against Watford at Bramall Lane in midweek, Australian David Carney netted a second half goal to cancel out Nathan Ellington's first half opener.

The Blades should see star striker James Beattie (ligament damages) return to the squad since he was forced off injured in the 1-1 draw with Blackpool on Boxing Day.

Left Full-Back Gary Naysmith (shoulder), defender Derek Geary (knee) and striker Jonathan Stead (hip) will all face late fitness by manager Bryan Robson.

Possible Blades Line-Up: Paddy Kenny, Derek Geary, Ego Ehiogu, Matthew Kilgallon, Chris Armstrong, Keith Gillespie, Michael Tonge, Gary Speed, David Carney, Rob Hulse, Billy Sharp.


:: Man in the Middle ::

Referee: K. Hill (Hertfordshire)
Assistants: G. Evetts & G. Russell
Fourth Official: R. Beevor