Neil Warnock, who of course is the saviour of Bramall Lane will sit in the home dugout as manager of Sheffield United. An open Blade, he stood on the Kop as a young man watching the then legends of the game (Alan Woodward and Keith Edwards) whilst Micky Adams, the former Brighton and Leicester boss will be looking for all three points despite announcing that he wears the red and white of Sheffield.
SHEFFIELD UNITED V COVENTRY CITY |
United go into the game having escaped the League Cup hoodoo that has evaded them over the last 10 years by beating Boston United 1-0 at Bramall Lane. In previous seasons the Blades have seen Stockport, Grimsby and Walsall knock out the cup kings.
The Blades could see David Unsworth make his debut, the defender was signed on a free transfer last Tuesday from Premier League side Portsmouth whilst goal scorer v Boston Ian Ross could make his way to the bench.
It is however likely that Mr. Warnock will keep the squad that beat Preston North End 2-1 at Bramall Lane last Saturday. Though Chris Armstrong could return to the fold after an 18 month absence, the former Bury and Oldham defender looked to have seen his career over after a leg injury.
But, changes could be made with the visit to Crewe Alexandra coming on Bank Holiday Monday Keith Gillespie could play a role as he will be away on international duty with Northern Ireland when the Blades face the Railwaymen.
Frenchman Lilian Nalis who has recently recovered from tonsilitis could return to Midfield, the former Bastia player missed the victories over Preston and Boston with the said illness.
Blades Possible Line-Up: Paddy Kenny, Leigh Bromby, Craig Short, Chris Morgan, Jon Harley, Paul Ifill, Michael Tonge, Phil Jagielka, Alan Quinn, Danny Webber, Neil Shipperley.
The Sky Blues also booked their place in Round Two of the League Cup after a convincing 3-0 trashing of Rushden & Diamonds at Nene Park. It was not quite as extravagant as the 8-0 moiling the inflicted on the Diamonds three seasons ago at Highfield Road.
Goal scorer in that game Gary McSheffery will be a key figure for the Midlands club who have hit an impressive ten goals in the last three games (4-0 v Burnley, 3-0 v QPR, 3-0 v Rushden).
Skipper Stephen Hughes his likely to return for the Rioch Arena club after he missed the last two games via suspension which could lose a place for Willo Flood who has impressed during his loan spell from Manchester City.
Apart from Hughes the Blades need to look out for former Bradford City Midfielder Claus Jorgenson who caused numinous problems for the opposition whilst at the Bantams. He also holds the honour of scoring City's first ever goal at the their new 32,000 Rioch Arena in the 3-0 win over QPR last Saturday.
Returning to Bramall Lane for the first time in a Coventry shirt will be Robert Page. The Welsh international made 127 appearances (+ 1 as sub) with one goal between August 2001 and July 2004 for the Blades.
Sky Blues Possible Line-Up: Stephen Bywater, Marcus Hall, Richard Duffy, Robert Page, Matt Heath, Michael Doyle, Claus Jorgensen, Stephen Hughes, Gary McSheffery, James Scowcroft, Dale Adebola.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Sheffield United 1-1 Coventry City