Sheffield United vs. Bolton Wanderers

Last updated : 29 December 2017 By @blades_mad1889

It is still difficult to comprehend, as a supporter, that the Blades kicked-off the beginning of 2017 with an away win at Bury (3-1) in League One and now they are muscling there way through the Championship.

With the season only just past the half-way mark the Blades will start 2018 in the top six if they claim maximum points at home to Bolton tomorrow.

You have to go back a long way to find a more 'easy' victory at Championship level than what the Blades secured in there last fixture against Sunderland on Boxing Day. The Blades won 3-0 with goals from Lundstram, Stearman and Baldock - the letter two netting for the first time for United!

The win ended a seven match win-less run and will hopefully put them in good stead against a struggling Trotters side.
United are boosted by the return of John Fleck who has missed the last three games owing to suspension after he received a straight red card in the 2-1 defeat at home to Bristol City.

It is likely that Chris Wilder will name the exact XI which started the game against the Black Cats, this will mean Clarke and Donaldson continue in attack whilst skipper Billy Sharp starts on the bench.

Phil Parkinson is unlikely to have defender Andrew Taylor available for his Bolton side after he limped off injured in the 2-0 defeat at Middlesbrough on Boxing Day. With this game, along with a tricky tie against Hull on Monday, the turn-around for recovery may be too soon, leaving Antonee Robinson as his only probable replacement.

Last season's Pantomime Villain Adam Le Fondre has missed the Trotters last four games through illness with boss Parkinson hoping to include him on the bench. In last season's fixture at the Lane, the former Rotherham striker attempted to take advantage of a dead ball situation by attempting the lob the ball over Simon Moore - rather than polity pass the ball back after the referee blew up for an injury!