The Blades have enjoyed an unbeaten league run this season and are currently eight games without defeat (three wins) and are sixth in the table. They were lasted beaten at home on 3 March when Oldham Athletic came home 3-2 winners in a disastrous game for the Blades, but last weekend secured there first win on the road this season, equaling last seasons result at Yeovil Town; 1-0. This time it was stand in captain Neill Collins (55th minute) those powerful header from Paul Gallagher's corner was enough to fly into the net and win the match.
The Blades faced County in the league last season, completing the double over the Nottinghamshire club but had to come from behind in our fixture at the Lane on 27th December. Alan Judge's 17th minute free-kick evaded everyone - including keeper Steve Simonsen to open the scoring in the game shown live on Sky. United hit back and found a leveller through Ryan Flynn (31) before in the second half, Alan Sheehan (51) put the ball through his own net to score the winner of the match; 2-1. Five minutes into stoppage time the visitors saw Ishmel Demontagnac was sent-off for violent conduct.
At Meadow Lane on 20th March, the Blades stormed to a 5-2 victory after dominating throughout the 90 minutes. The Blades lead 4-0 with goals from Stephen Quinn (16), Ched Evans (22), Matt Lowton (27) and Neil Collins (45), Alan Judge (77) pulled one back for the hosts before Neal Bishop was dismissed for two yellow cards. Lee Williamson (89) made it five after taking full advantage of a defensive error and the Magpies doubled there own tally through substitute Julian Kelly (90) at the death.
Blades boss Danny Wilson welcome back duo midfielder Michael Doyle (captain) and winger Ryan Flynn available for selection after the duo sat out the last three matches against; Bury (1-1), Doncaster Rovers (0-0) and at Yeovil Town (1-0) after both being sown straight red cards in our 1-1 draw at Scunthorpe United on 8th September. Meanwhile, defender Lescinel Jean-Francois has reported on twitter that he has been given the ok to return to full training.
Blades boss Danny Wilson is likely field Kevin McDonald to face his former club. He joined Meadow Lane on loan from Burnley in February 2011 until the end of the season – making his debut in a 2-0 home defeat to Exeter City and went onto make 10 (+1) appearances for the Magpies.
Under Magpies manager Keith Curle, who played 61 times for the Blades between July 2000 and August 2002 has rejuvenated County and made the best start to a season for seven years. They are second in the table (behind Tranmere Rovers) with just one league defeat in the eight matches played this season - having won five of them, but only once away! The Magpies are unbeaten in there last five league outings and face the Blades following an impressive 3-0 win at home to Portsmouth.
They had taken the lead within five minutes when Johann Arquin (5) turned home Alan Judges' corner and later on Judge saw his shot spectacularly saved by Blues keeper Mikkel Anderson, but the score reaiminf 1-0 until after the break. They doubled there lead on 47 minutes when Judge's 30 yard shot was powerful to fly home and ten minutes later Arquin added his second of the day.
The visitors will head to Bramall Lane without midfielder Andre Boucaud who will serve the second of a three match ban following his sending off against Oldham Athletic last Saturday. Meanwhile left full-back Alan Sheehan (hamstring) is close to fitness and could be included in the eighteen man squad.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Sheffield United 2-0 Nott's County
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