The Blades lay rock bottom of the table after slumming to a 1-0 defeat last Sunday at Middlesbrough; Scottish striker Kris Boyd scored the game's only goal in a dire match.
It was new manager Gary Speed's first match in charge after taking over the reigns little over a week ago and will surely be warmly welcomed to the Lane this weekend for his first home fixture.
United could hand a debut to French defender Jean Calve who impressed whilst on trial in the summer - he joins on loan until the end of the season from AS Nancy.
Defender Matthew Lowton will be made available for selection again; the youngster returns from suspension after being sent off on the opening day at Cardiff City. Darius Henderson, Ryan France (both knee) and Lee Williamson (back) remain sidelined through injury.
Blades Last Line-Up (23/08/2010 at Middlesbrough): Steve Simonsen, Nyron Nosworthy, Chris Morgan, Kyle Bartley, Andy Taylor, Jamie Ward, Johannes Ertl, Nick Montgomery, Leon Britton, Richard Cresswell, Ched Evans. Substitutes: Mihkel Aksal, Daniel Bogdanovic, Robert Kozluk, Mark Yeates, Jordan Chappell, Stephen Quinn, Kingsley James.
Preston North End were forced into extra-time in midweek by League Two side Bradford in the second round of the League Cup; though the Lilywhites came out winners (2-1) with a goal from kieth Treacy who described his goal as the best he'd ever scored.
Defender Sean St. Ledger was taken off at half-time in West Yorkshire in mid-week during that victory over the Bantams; a niggling hamstring injury forcing him to be replaced; however it is believed that he will be fit to face the Blades at Bramall Lane tomorrow.
Lilywhites Last Line-Up (24/08/2010 at Bradford City): Andy Lonergan, Callum Davidson, Craig Morgan, Sean St. Ledger, David Gray, Keith Traecy, Paul Coutts, Danny Mayor, Matthew James, Paul Hayes, Joshua King. Substitutes: Wright, Darel Russell, Chris Brown, Jonathan Parkin, Adam Barton, Amdreas Arestidou, Conor McLaughlin.