Match Preview: Peterborough United vs. Sheffield United

peterborough united vs. sheffield united

It's been 26 years since Sheffield United last faced Peterborough United in a domestic competition; then it was the League Cup were the two sides thought out a 2-2 draw with the Cutlers going through 3-2 on aggregate. They have also already met this season with Henri Camara netting the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win.

The Blades troubles away from Bramall Lane continued as they made it six Championships fixtures on the road without victory; the last time they won outside the Steel City was at Plymouth Argyle (1-0) in early December.

And there away demise didn't improve after a recent trip to Crystal Palace last Saturday, staking a 1-0 defeat to new manager Paul Hart who was in control of the Eagles team for the very first time. Former Rotherham United and Ipswich Town striker Alan Lee (23 minutes) netting the vital goal for the home side.

Blades boss Kevin Blackwell will be without striker Darius Henderson who will serve the last of his three match suspension following his red card at Nottingham Forest a couple of weeks ago; he will be made available for Neil Warnock and Queens Park Rangers visit to Bramall Lane this weekend.

The Blades will also be without Derek Greary (ankle) who is a long term injury whilst Marcel Seip (hamstring) has recovered and was included in the squad that played at Selhurst Park.

Former Posh keeper Ian Bennett is likely to start this fixture on the substitute's bench; the shot stopper was signed on a free transfer from Newcastle United in March 1991 and went onto make 95 appearances until his departure to Birmingham City in December 1993.

Blades Last Line-Up (06/03/2010 at Crystal Palace) - Mark Bunn, Nyron Nosworthy, Kyle Bartley, Derek Geary, Toni Kallio, Nick Montgomery, Mark Yeates, Lee Williamson ,Stephen Quinn, Richard Cresswell, Jamie Ward. Substitutes: Ched Evans, Ian Bennett, James Harper, Andy Taylor, Jordan Stewart, Marcel Seip, Henri Camara.

Peterborough United hosted Coventry City last weekend and continued to struggle in their plight to retain Championship status; former Sheffield United and Sunderland striker Jonathan Stead (24) netted the second goal in his Sky Blues career in this one-nil victory.

Since our meeting with Peterborough in November the London Road club has changed managers twice, Mark Cooper was in charge at the Lane for his first match in charge since taking over the reins from Darren Ferguson - but things haven't ran as smoothly as they would have liked and now see Jim Gannon at the helm were he has a 50% record to date of two victories and two losses from the four games he has overseen.

The Posh are without star striker George Boyd who has left the club and has joined Nottingham Forest on loan until the remainder of the season; the forward had netted twelve goals for the London Road club.

They are also without the services of Ryan Bennett (ankle) who is out injured; meanwhile Reuben Reid, Scott Griffiths and Kerrea Gilbert are doubtful. Mark Little made his debut in their 1-0 defeat at the weekend and could start against the Blades; the defender has recently spent a successful loan spell with League Two outfit Chesterfield.

On loan from League One outfit is Izale McLeod who had a loan spell with the Blades during the 2003-04 season, he made just one appearance (+6) in a two month loan deal from Derby County as United failed to make the play-offs.

Posh Last Kline-Up (06/03/2010 vs. Coventry City) - Joe Lewis, Craig Morgan, Gaby Zakuani, Mark Little, Charlie Lee, Lee Fecklington, Tommy Rowe, Chris Whelpdale, Dominic Green, Liam Dickinson, Aaron McLean. Substitutes: Craig Mackail-Smith, James McKeown, Jamie Day, Sergio Raul Torres, Nathan Koranteng, Josh Simpson, Exodus Geohaghon.

Blades-Mad Prediction: Peterborough United 1-2 Sheffield United

:: Statistics ::

For Head to Head statistics please click here.

Last 6 Games... Home & Away

* Statistics correct up to and including 06/03/2010