Match Preview: Sheffield United v Derby County

sheffield united vs. derby county

The Blades are hoping that three points will aid them in their quest to claim a play-off spot come end of the season which could end in promotion to the Premier League. They come into this fixture on back of a visit to Vicarage Road in midweek, coming away with a heavy and disappointing 3-0 defeat.

Winger Mark Yeates could make his full debut against the Rams; he has featured as a used substation in the previous three fixtures following his move from Middlesbrough in mid January but has yet to start for the Blades. Nyron Nosworthy is likely to make his home debut after his loan move from Sunderland.

On loan defender Toni Kallio (from Fulham) could also make his second debut for United, he enjoyed a loan spell before Christmas, making just two appearances in away wins at Bristol City (3-2) and Plymouth Argyle (1-0) before being recalled.

Blades boss Kevin Blackwell is forced to select a squad which won't include Captain Chris Morgan (hip), Marcel Seip (hamstring), Lee Williamson (hamstring) and Andy Taylor (groin) through injury whilst full-back Gary Naysmith (knee) is still recovering from his injury.

Blades boss Kevin Blackwell could call upon the services of defender Jordan Stewart to face his former club - he was signed by the Rams in May 2008 on a permanent transfer from Watford, making his debut in a 1-0 League Cup win at Preston North End.

He went onto make a total of 33 (+0) appearances and netted twice for the Pride Park club before joining Sheffield United in September 2009 which involved a swap deal with midfielder Lee Hendrie. The defender also boasts Leicester City and Bristol Rovers (loan) as he previous other clubs.

Possible Blades Line-Up: Mark Bunn, Derek Geary, Jonathan Fortune, Nyron Nosworthy, Toni Kallio, Mark Yeates, Nick Montgomery, James Harper, Jamie Ward, Richard Cresswell, Daris Henderson.

Derby County lay 18^th in the Coca-Cola Championship table with thirty-two points from twenty-five games, just one point better off than Sheffield Wednesday - They claimed a shock win last weekend when Rob Hulse became a cult hero, heading home

rob hulse (middle) looking to haunt his former club this weekend.

twelve minutes from time against local rivals Nottingham Forest to dent their promotion hopes.

Rams boss Nigel Clough is expected to be without midfielder Steve Davies (hamstring), though he could hand a debut to on loan Manchester City defender Javan Vidal. The Rams are also likely to field former Sheffield United striker Rob Hulse, Lee Hendrie and new signing Michael Tonge who could make his Rams debut at Bramall Lane.

Hulse was signed by Neil Warnock in July 2006 from Leeds United in a deal worth £2,200,000 - netting on his debut in a 1-1 draw at home to Liverpool before breaking his leg at Stamford Bridge (Chelsea) the following March. He left United after his recovery in July 2008, having made 38 (+15) appearances for the Bramall Lane club, joining Derby County in a £1,750,000 deal - he can also list West Bromwich Albion and Crewe Alexandra as his former clubs.

Hendrie arrived at Bramall Lane in a free transfer from Aston Villa under manager Bryan Robson in July 2007, making his debut in a 2-2 home draw with Colchester United. His chances were limited and were allowed to enjoy loan moves at Blackpool and Leicester City before completing a full transfer to Derby County in September 2009 - this included a swap deal involving Jordan Stewart. He made 12 (+14) appearances during his time at the Lane and netted four goals.

Tonge came through the youth ranks at the Lane, signing professional terms in August 2000; making his debut as a substitute the following April in a 1-0 home defeat to Wimbledon. He stayed at the club until September 2008 where he transferred to Stoke City in a deal worth £1,000,000. He made a total of 269 (+33) appearances and netted 24 goals.

Possible Rams Line-Up: Stephen Bywater, Jay McEveley, Shaun Barker, Jake Buxton, Nicky Hunt, Paul Green, Robbie Savage, Kris Commons, Stephen Pearson, Chris Porter, Rob Hulse.

Blades-Mad Prediction: Sheffield United 2-0 Derby County