Match Preview: Derby County v Sheffield United

Last updated : 24 August 2010 By @blades_mad1889
























Sheffield United Reserves come into this fixture after a 4-1 victory over the Rams bitter rivals Nottingham Forest.

Blades boss Mark Smith watched on in delight as his youthful side turned over a Forest outfit which included notable players such as Dele Adebola.

Brendan Maloney netted an own goal to help United on their way to victory whilst Ishmael Lammy scored a brace and Jordan Chappell netted from the penalty spot. The Reds saw defender Joel Lynch sent off after recievig two yellow cards.

The Blades could opt to field second choice keeper Mihkel Aksalu; the Estonian international has yet to make his debut for the first team since his arrival in January 2010.

Defender Kingsley James and midfielder Jordan Chappell are likley to be included in the first eleven to face the Rams tommorow; the pair were unused substitutes in the first teams 1-0 defeat at Middlesbrough last Sunday.

Derby County were winners of the Centeral League last season (2009/10) and will no doubt be eager to defend their title; but their opening 5-1 defeat at Port Vale could but a huge dent in any silverware this season.

It was the fourth time that the Rams had won the reserve league having being victorious in; 1936, 1972, 2001 and 2010.

Sheffield United have won the league on three occassions; 1922, 1966 and 2003. Though have claimed glory in the cup twice, winning in 1998 (v Stoke City) and 2003.

Last season they completed the double over the Blades; winning 4-1 in Dronfield at 3-0 at Pride Park.