Surprisingly the Blades are now four games unbeaten following their 4-0 victory over Scunthorpe United on Tuesday night which saw them go six points clear of 7th placed Barnsley (who travel to Bristol City tomorrow). A brace of penalties from Jose Baxter as well as solo efforts from Jason Holt and Jamie Murphy sealed the win for the Blades.
Sheffield United boss Nigel Clough could recall keeper Mark Howard who was abscent from Tuesday night to be given a rest after recovering from injury. Meanwhile defender Jay McEverley (shoulder) still doubtful but should be included amongst the substitutes. However they are without trio Terry Kennedy, Stefan Scougall (both knee) and James Wallace (muscular) through injury.
21st placed Crewe Alexandra look in a real danger of relegation this season but despite constant battle year in year out the Railwaymen are just one point behind the pack and a win tomorrow could see them jump four places. They have drawn one and won one in there last 6 matches, including a 5-1 defeat at Preston. But regardless of their result at Bramall Lane next Friday's Easter clash with Crawley Town will be a relegation 6 pointer?
Crewe slipped back into the bottom four after substitute Conor Wilkinson struck late on to earn Oldham a 1-0 win at Gresty Road. Dean Holden's men ended a run of three consecutive defeats and pulled themselves clear of trouble after Wilkinson's goal settled a scrappy game. Rhys Turner's mazy run left Crewe defenders back-tracking early on, but the forward was denied by an agile save by Crewe's former Oldham goalkeeper Paul Rachubka. Crewe's response almost brought an inventive goal for Nicky Ajose. The on-loan Leeds striker slipped in behind the Latics' rearguard on to Greg Leigh's long pass and clipped the ball over goalkeeper Joel Coleman, but on to the roof of the net.
Oldham were grateful for skipper Adam Lockwood's positioning, which enabled him to head Jon Guthrie's header off the goalline after James Ness had swung in a free-kick from the left. As both sides struggled to make a breakthrough in the second half, Anthony Grant's fierce half-volley was tipped over by Coleman. Then Ness was inches away from applying a final touch at the near post and James Jones forced Coleman to save his shot from 25 yards low down as Crewe applied the pressure. But Crewe were hit by a sucker-punch when substitute Wilkinson drove low into the corner after being set up by Danny Philliskirk in the 74th minute.
The Alex will be without striker Marcus Haber who is on international duty with Canada but could see Matt Tootle (ankle) and Ben Garratt (broken leg) return from injury. Ryan Colclough (hernia and Achilles) is back to training and light matches but is unlikely to feature.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Sheffield United 2 Crewe Alexandra 0
:: Click here to visit the Blades-Mad Shop ::
Visit us on facebook
Follow us on Twitter