Sheffield United vs. Fleetwood Town

Last updated : 24 January 2017 By @blades_mad1889

The Blades could move five points clear ahead of rivals Scunthorpe United at the top of League One with a victory over fourth placed Cod Army. Without Bolton and the Iron in action tonight, a win would be ideal, especially as the Blades are without a match this weekend due to the FA Cup.

United missed the opportunity to extend their lead and could only be held to a draw at home to Gillingham last Saturday. Despite seeing two goals disallowed they had to settle for a 2-2 draw.

Struggling Gillingham secured their first point of the year with a thrilling 2-2 Sky Bet League One draw against table-toppers Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. Billy Sharp opened the scoring for the Blades but the Gills' Josh Wright scored a quick double to change the game before Kieron Freeman smashed home an equaliser.

Sharp (32) netted his 18th goal of the season when Caolan Lavery's pass found him just inside the box and without hesitation he fired the ball into the bottom left corner. Wright (51) then managed to brush off Chris Basham's challenge in the box, to finish cooly with the outside of his boot from inside the six-yard box.

Wright (58) doubled his tally for the game, reacting well to Max Ehmer's headed flick to roll the ball under Simon Moore. The Blades tied the scores again though when Freeman (61) smashed home the equaliser from close range after Stuart Nelson failed to keep hold of Lavery's shot. United pressed until the end with Lavery, Sharp and substitute Marc McNulty all seeing their efforts fly wide or saved by an inspired Nelson.

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder could be tempted to reshuffle his side for Tuesday's League One clash with Fleetwood at Bramall Lane. Wilder read the riot act after his side's 2-2 draw against Gillingham on Saturday and will hope to bring back defender Daniel Lafferty after two games out with a back injury.

Midfielder Joe Riley could be handed his first start for the Blades after being left on the bench on Saturday following his loan move from Manchester United. Leon Clarke will face a late fitness test while Samir Carruthers (knee) is expected to remain on the sidelines.

Fleetwood manager Uwe Rosler has plenty of options available as he seeks to maintain their 10-match unbeaten league run. New signing Wes Burns came on as a substitute in Saturday's late win at Coventry and the striker will soon be pushing for inclusion from the start.

Fellow new arrivals Markus Schwabl and Joe Maguire were also on the bench as Rosler left back Sowerby and Eggert Jonsson, who had started the previous match and could come back into the squad. Defender Nathan Pond will not be making the trip as he is still sidelined with a knee injury with Jimmy Ryan (foot), Martyn Woolford (knee) and Michael Duckworth (groin) all doubtful.

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