 | sheffield united vs. nottingham forest |
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The game set to be a sluggish 0-0 drab draw in Devon until the 88th minute when following a clearance from a corner James Harper slammed home from 25 yards out, shooting through a crowded box to evade the keeper at his near post. Both sides had chances before, more so from the visitors when they hit the post from an unusual source; Nick Montgomery - whilst the home side also hit the woodwork via Alan Judge.
Top scorer Darius Henderson (10 goals) was missing from the trip to Home Park with a groin strain and could be out for a further two to three weeks. It is likely that the former Watford forward will be replaced by either Richard Cresswell or Ched Evans.
The Blades could be without on-loan keeper Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers) who looked to limp through the final 20 minutes of the game in Devon, without a substitute shot stopper he battled through the pain. He could be replaced by fellow on-loan keeper Mark Bunn (Blackburn Rovers) with Ian Bennett (hand) injured and Paddy Kenny (suspended) - there only other option is Maltese international Justin Haber.
Scottish international left full-back Gary Naysmith (hamstring) returned to the substitute's bench for the first time since last season after recovering an injury; although Blades boss Kevin Blackwell could remain with on-loan defender Tony Kallio (Fulham) who made his debut at Home Park last Saturday.
Possible Blades Line-Up: Mark Bunn, Kyle Walker, Chris Morgan, Matthew Kilgallon, Tony Kallio, Jamie Ward, James Harper, Nick Montgomery, Stephen Quinn, Richard Cresswell, Ched Evans.
Nottingham Forest will come to Bramall Lane brim full of confidence with the Reds having scored nine times in the previous two fixtures. These came in astounding 4-1 (Derby County) and 5-1 (Leicester City) victories against rival opponents. Prior to these two wins the Trees had gone four straight games ending in a 1-1 draw in an undefeated run of 11 games; their last league defeat was on 19 September in a 1-0 loss at Blackpool.
Much travelled striker Robert Earnshaw netted a hat-trick (12, 32 & 49th minute) to hand the hosts a 3-0 lead, Paul Anderson (54) made it four before a penalty from Martyn Waghorn (64) gave the visitors some fighting spirit. But any hopes of a reprieve were duly undone when ageing forward Dale Adebola (77) added to the Foxes misery.
Forest manager Billy Davies has little worries in terms of a squad selection crisis, boasting a fully fit squad. However his only concern will come in midfield were Chris Cohen (we believe) is suspended. The former West Ham United man picked up his fifth booking of the season in their ultimate victory over the Foxes at the City Ground and is likely to sit this one out.
Possible Forest Line-Up: Lee Camp, Nicky Shorey, Wes Morgan, Kelvin Wilson, Chris Gunter, Paul Anderson, Lewis McGugan, Paul McKenna, Radoslaw Majewski, Robert Earnshaw, Dexter Blackstock.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Sheffield United 1-1 Nottingham Forest
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:: Match Officials ::
Referee: A. Haines
Assistants: P. Graham & R. Holmes
Fourth Official: B. Smallwood
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