The Blades lay 5th in the League One league table with two wins and two draws from there opening four matches, they have won only there home fixtures however gave Bournemouth a thrashing at Bramall Lane last weekend in a 5-3 victory, but whilst most clubs were involved in Johnstone Paint Trophy action last Tuesday night the Blades were fortunate of a bye into round two.
United came from behind against the Cherries, Tommy Elphick (20 minutes) heading home after the hosts had spurned chances early on. They were soon back into the game and in the lead through two quick-fire goals from winger Ryan Flynn (24 & 31) and before the break on loan Manchester United striker John Cofie (43) had again fired home from 25 yards in his trademark spectacular effort.
Three minutes after the break the visitors had scrambled a ball home through Lee Barnard (48) but normal service was assumed for substitute Richard Cresswell (60) on the hour but with three minutes remaining Marc Pugh (87) had given the Cherries hope. However there was to be one final say from United; Nick Blackman was hauled down in the box and he picked himself up (90+3) before finishing off the spot kick.
Blades boss Danny Wilson is likely to see former Reading and Portsmouth striker Dave Kitson available for selection, the ginger haired forward signed on transfer deadline day but his registration came too late to be picked for the game against Bournemouth.
Scunthorpe United come into this fixture on back of there Johnstone's Paint Trophy match with Nott's County. In League One things haven't started so well for Alan Knill, they uncomfortably sit at the bottom of the table with a Eurovision score of 'nil pois;' things looked good when at Derby County they drew 5-5 in the first round of the League Cup and eventually went through on penalties - they were eliminated by Norwich City at Carrow Road.
They have netted just once in the league and conceded eleven goals in defeats to; Crawley Town (0-3), Crewe Alexandra (1-2), Yeovil Town (0-4) and at Hartlepool United (0-2) last Saturday. Forward Mike Grella, who scored his sides only league goal this season has recently called for unity in what is troubled times for the Iron; "Everyone's feeling really down right now so we have to pull together and get some results. He told BBC Radio Humberside: "This is unacceptable and we have to turn it around. I have full confidence in the group and in the manager. We can't put it down to luck, we have to lift our level and start getting results."
The Iron are expected to see midfielder Joe Walker return to the side after he sat out Tuesday nights fixture with the Magpies after being sent-off in last weekend's defeat at Hartlepool United and served a one match ban for his troubles. Meanwhile former Barnsley defender Paul Reid (hand) is unavailable through injury.