Match Preview: Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Sheffield United

Last updated : 23 December 2008 By @blades_mad1889

wolverhampton vs. sheff utd
The home side go into this fixture having claimed a 1-0 victory at Doncaster Rovers; it was the first time that the Gold and Black had played at the Keepmoat Stadium but a 81st minute Neill Collins goal was enough to secure victory - and now lead the race to promotion by seven points.

Wanderers manager Mick McCarthy will be without keeper Matt Murray (tendon), who has returned from his loan spell at Hereford United following his injury - George Elokobi (knee), Mark Little (meniscal) and Daniel Jones (ankle) are also missing due to injury.

Striker Chris Iwelumo who netted twice in the Wolves 3-1 win at Bramall Lane in November has returned from a ankle injury and was available on the bench for their win over Rovers, he replaced Andy Keogh shortly after hat-time and is likely to start against the Blades.

Possible Wolves Line-Up: Wayne Hennessey, Richard Stearman, Neill Collins, Matt Hill, Kevin Foley, Michael Knightly, David Edwards, Karl Henry, Stephen Ward, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Chris Iwelumo.

Sheffield United travel to the Midlands having claimed points on the road in their previous six outings; their fine run began on 28th October when they drew 0-0 at Bristol City and since then have claimed points at; Barnsley (won 2-1), Charlton Athletic (won 5-2), Ipswich Town (drew 1-1), Nottingham Forest (won 1-0) and Swansea City (drew 1-1), picking up twelve points in the process. The last time the Blades lost on their travels was a 1-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday.

Blades boss Kevin Blackwell is without veteran midfielder Gary Speed (back) who made his Blades debut at Molineux last season on 1st January, then they drew 0-0. United will also be without striker Darius Henderson who serves the second of a three match suspension, he will also miss next Sunday's home fixture against Charlton Athletic.

Fellow striker James Beattie, who has netted 11 goals this season so far is carrying a calf strain and may not feature against the Championship's heavyweight club. Meanwhile Nick Montgomery (who returned to action last Saturday) is out with a calf strain and Gary Naysmith (back) is also expected to be missing from action.

Possible Blades-Line-Up: Paddy Kenny, Kyle Naughton, Chris Morgan, Ugo Ehiogu, Matthew Kilgallon, Nathan Dyer, Matthew Spring, Brian Howard, Stephen Quinn, Danny Webber, James Beattie.