Match Preview: Sheffield United vs. Blackpool

Last updated : 08 March 2009 By @blades_mad1889

sheffield united vs. blackpool
The Blades staked a 3-1 at Blackpool earlier in the season; Stephen Quinn and a Gary Speed penalty set United up to a 2-0 lead before former Blade Stephen Kabba (on loan from Watford at the time) put the Seasiders back into the game before Greg Halford headed home to finish off the game.

United drew on the road in there last fixture; a 0-0 draw at Queens Park Rangers last Saturday put the S2 side on the road to their 13th game unbeaten away from Bramall Lane.

Blades boss Kevin Blackwell has no fresh injury worries coming into their game with Blackpool, however they will be without striker Billy Sharp (groin) who looks set to miss the remainder of the season through injury, Danny Webber or Arturo Lupoli could take his place.

He could call upon the services of midfielder Lee Hendrie, who has been impressive since he returned from a loan spell at Bloomfield Road earlier this season; he spent just two months with Blackpool between November 2008 to January 2009 - making 5 (+1) appearances - he was also sent off on his debut in a 1-0 defeat at Reading.

Possible Blades Line-Up: Paddy Kenny, Kyle Naughton, Chris Morgan, Matthew Kilgallon, Gary Naysmith, David Cotterill, Stephen Quinn, Nick Montgomery, Greg Halford, Darius Henderson, Danny Webber.

Blackpool are arguably the surprise team from this seasons Championship 2008-09 season; expected to be in the drop zone they have held their own and although they will still be looking over their shoulders they look in good stead to be participating at this level for at least another year.

They beat relegation rivals Norwich City 2-0 last Saturday at Bloomfield Road; but it took ten minutes after half-time when Brett Ormerod netted his 100th career goal to hand the home side the lead whilst Charlie Adam finished off the struggling Canaries.

Tangerines caretaker boss Tony Parkes will be without defenders Ian Evatt (knee) and Rob Edwards (ankle) whom are both sidelined through injury, as is Ben Burgess (knee).

With the two defenders missing that could pave the way for former Preston North End and Sheffield Wednesday defender Marlon Broomes who has recently seen his loan spell at Crewe Alexander terminated.

Possible Seasiders Line-Up: Paul Rachubka, Shaun Barker, Alex John-Baptiste, Stephen Crainey, Danny Coid, Charlie Adam, David Vaughan, Gary Taylor-Fletcher, Keith Southern, Brett Ormerod, Dudley Campbell.