The Blades slipped up with a 2-1 defeat at Norwich City last weekend despite Chris Armstrong handing United a 17th minute lead, Leon McKenzie and Robert Earnshaw hit back for the home side but both Michael Tonge and Jonatan Johansson both had their goals ruled out. However the Blades played tremendously well in comparison to that of previous weeks and should still look this defeat as a step forward.
Former Saints and Barnsley striker Neil Shipperley is likely to retain his place along side Danny Webber whilst 1.75M man Ade Akinbiyi will be resigned to the bench. Shipperley netted the only goal of the game when United travelled to the St. Mary's Stadium earlier this season.
United though will be without former Sheffield Wednesday Midfielder Alan Quinn after a recent scan proved he had a slight stress fracture in his leg, Winger Paul Ifill will return o the side, he missed the defeat at Carrow Road due to an ear infection last weekend.
Possible Blades Line-Up: Paddy Kenny, Robert Kozluk, Chris Lucketti, Chris Morgan, David Unsworth, Paul Ifill, Phil Jagielka, Michael Tonge, Chris Armstrong, Neil Shipperley, Danny Webber.
Southampton, 3-1 losers to Watford in midweek could be without Richard Chaplow (foot) and Jermaine Wright (hamstring) who face late fitness tests.
Veteran Claus Lundekvam is expected to be fit despite missing the Hornets defeat with a virus whilst Darren Potter (calf) is back training whilst Darren Powell (hamstring) and keeper Paul Smith (illness) are out. Should Smith not be able to play then the gloves will go to 37 year old former Barnsley keeper Kevin Miller.
Possible Saints Line-Up: Kevin Miller, Darren Kenton, Chris Baird, Alexander Ostlund, Danny Higginbottom, Jim Brennan, Kamil Kosowski, Andrew Surman, Kenwyne Jones, Peter Masden, Grzegorz Rasiak.