Sheffield United vs. Tranmere Rovers

Last updated : 14 March 2012 By @blades_mad1889

The Blades were in midweek action at Colchester United last Tuesday night; drawing 1-1 - they surrendered a one-nil advantage after Will Hoskins (32 minutes) coolly chipped over keeper Ben Williams to score until Stephen Gillespie (56) found the net after the break.

The pair drew 1-1 earlier in the season at Prenton Park - United had taken the lead through a very unlikely source; Nick Momtgomery (44) whom hit a rasp shot from 30 yards which found the net and after some pressure succumbed to a Rovers leveler ten minutes from time when Joss Labadie headed home.

Blades boss Danny Wilson now has a selection headache ahead of this weekend's game; Lescinel Jean-Francois (knee) and Chris Morgan (knee) are both absent through injury. However the former Barnsley boss could be boosted by the return of midfielder Kevin McDonald (hamstring) from injury as well as defender Neill Collins who has been absent recently through bereavement.

Defender Andy Taylor and keeper Steve Simonsen are both likely to feature against there former club. Taylor, 25 signed for Rovers after a successful loan spell (from Blackburn Rovers) in November 2007 - making his debut in a 0-0 draw at Doncaster Rovers. He made 79 (+2) appearances for the Prenton Park club and scored three goals with Rovers. He signed from the Wirrel club to Sheffield United in July 2009 and has also enjoyed loan spells with; Queens Park Rangers, Blackpool, Crewe Alexandra and Huddersfield Town.

Simonsen, 32 began his football career with Tranmere, signing professional terms in August 1996 and had to wait until November 1997 when he made his debut in a 3-1 home win over Stoke City. In September 1998 he was snapped up by Everton in a £3,300,000 deal which still stands today as their 'record received' transfer. He made a total of 42 appearances with Rovers.

Rovers entertained Preston North End last Tuesday night and celebrated will three points by coming from behind following an early strike from Graham Cummings (12) but soon levelled the score through former Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United striker Enoch Showunmi (15). In the second half they netted a winner through Andy Robinson (67) to put them 16th in the league and seven points from safety.

Prenton Park boss Ronnie Moore is set to be without former Barnsley winger Martin Devaney (hamstring), Adam McGurk (broken cheekbone) and Mark McCrystal (hernia) through injury but could be boosted by the return of defender David Raven (hernia) who has recovered from injury and resumed training.