Since finding defeat in the FA Cup at home to Manchester United (0-3) on 22 February, the Shropshire side have won just three games in the ten league fixtures which have followed, and have suffered only two back-to-back defeats against Wigan Athletic (1-5) and Millwall (1-3) during the first week in April. Last Saturday the Shrews were one of a few so called 'Coupon Busters' having earned a 1-1 draw with promotion chasing Bradford City, and married with Rochdale's victory over Blackpool, was enough to keep them out of the bottom four by a mere two points.
Shrewsbury collected a valuable point in their battle against relegation as Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro headed a late equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw against high-flying Bradford. The Bantams were closing in on what would have been a fifth successive 1-0 win until Akpa Akpro nipped in ahead of goalkeeper Ben Williams to head in Mat Sadler's 84th-minute free-kick. Bradford controlled the first half for long stages, forcing a host of corners, but clear-cut scoring opportunities were hard to come by for Phil Parkinson's promotion contenders.
Bradford's best chance in the first period fell the way of Billy Clarke after he was picked out by Tony McMahon's free-kick, but the striker's shot on the turn was well saved by goalkeeper Jayson Leutwiler. Winger Kyel Reid then set off on a long run from inside his own half but his effort was well blocked by defender Zak Whitbread.
Leutwiler made fine saves from Clarke, McMahon and Proctor after the break before Bradford's pressure finally told with a 71st-minute breakthrough. McMahon whipped in a cross from the right and Proctor headed in from eight yards. Shaun Whalley drove narrowly wide at the other end before Akpa Akpro had the final word with Shrewsbury's late leveller to move them two points clear of the bottom four.
Shrews boss Micky Mellon is boosted by the return of duo Nathaniel Knight-Percival and keeper Mark Halstead from suspension, the shot-stopped served a one-match ban despite being sent-off in the defeat at Millwall two fixtures ago, whilst the former has completed a three-match ban after he was dismissed in the 1-1 draw with Port Vale on 25th March.
They are also boosted by the return of Matt Tootle (concusion) but Mickey Demetriou is out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury. Jermaine Grandison continues to struggle with a hip problem and had an injection earlier in the week to try to cure the issue.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Shrewsbury Town 0 Sheffield United 2
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