Our last ever competitive game was of course at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff in May 2003 against Wolverhampton Wanderers. A disastrous first half allowed Wolves to fire in 3 goals and without reply from United. The Blades missed a penalty in second half and couldn't come back as they lost 3-0.
Its tough to call on who will be in the starting line-up but after the signings of Kristian Rogers, Chris Morgan, Mike Whitlow, Chris Armstrong, Andy Parkinson, Mark Rankine and Jack Lester Blades-Mad know there is a hard decision to be made by Neil Warnock.
However Blades fans know that Steve Kabba will not play due to injury while new signing Ashley Ward is not 100% match fit. Michael Brown is now fit again and is expected to make his come back against the Gills.
The Gills last competitive match was against Crystal Palace at the Priestfield Stadium ended 2-1 to the home side, Nosworthy scored 2 goals within first minutes but Dougie Freedman's 30th minute penalty could not prevent the Eagles from losing.
Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler has only made two summer signings in Ian Cox and John Hills, however Roland Edge, Guy Ipoua, Ty Gooden (retired) and Simon Osborn have all departed the Priestfield Stadium for verious reasons while ex-jail bird Marlon King is currently injured.
Striker Rod Wallace should start despite having an operation on his lower leg over the summer while Paul Smith and Kevin James are recovering from injury.
The Blades last meeting with Gillingham at Bramall Lane ended 2-2 on 25th March 2003. Steve Kabba put United ahead just before half-time but Osborn and Shaw put they 2-1 up, and with 9 minutes left Neil Warnock's side needed substitute Paul Peschisolido to save their blushes.
Prediction: Sheffield United 3-0 Gillingham
Predicted Starting Line-Up | |
| Sheffield United | Gillingham |
| Paddy Kenny | Jason Brown |
| Phil Jagielka | Barry Ashby |
| Chris Morgan | Ian Cox |
| Robert Page (C) | Chris Hope |
| Chris Armstrong | Leon Johnson |
| Peter Ndlovu | Nicky Southall |
| Michael Tonge | Nyron Nosworthy |
| Michael Brown | Paul Shaw |
| Andy Parkinson | Paul Smith |
| Wayne Allison | Danny Spiller |
| Jack Lester | Mamady Sidebe |