Match Preview: Sheffield United v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Last updated : 14 October 2005 By @blades_mad1889

United go into the game after a 2-1 defeat to the hands of second placed Reading on 1 October. Brjani Gudjonsson struck on second minute after converting a corner kick, on 15 minutes Steven Kabba headed home to level off for United.

On 30 minutes Paddy Kenny handled outside the area yet was given a yellow card when it could have been red, with 15 minutes left Keith Gillespie was tripped in the box but nothing was given whilst Gudjonsson sneaked the win with his header coming from a corner in the last minute.

The Blades could see experienced defender Craig Short return to the side, the former Blackburn centre-half has been missing for six games with an hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, on-loan striker Vincent Pericard (from Portsmouth) will be looking to make his full debut after helping the reserves draw 2-2 with Huddersfield Town on Wednesday were he scored his first Blades goal.

Predicted Blades Starting Line-Up: Paddy Kenny, Leigh Bromby, Craig Short, Chris Morgan, David Unsworth, Paul Ifill, Phil Jagielka, Nick Montgomery, Alan Quinn, Neil Shipperley, Steven Kabba.

Wolves go into this Saturday's game after recording a 1-0 defeat to Burnley at Molineux on 30 September, Clarets Garreth O'Connor netted the goal on 23 minutes.

Former England coach Glenn Hoddle goes into the trip to Bramall Lane with five injuries to his squad, two key absentees are Paul Ince (thigh) and Jackie McNamara (knee). Ince, the former Manchester United star is almost recovered and may have made the bench, but all hopes have been tarnished by a chest infection.

After breaking down during a reserve game against Manchester United keeper Stefan Postma (ankle) is due to receive intensive treatment where the keeper will be assessed at the last minute. However the Black Country club can call upon the services of Michael Oakes or re-call Paul Jones who is on at Millwall.

England U-19 international Mark Davies is also missing for the squad, though not a major player his knee injury cuts out any possible call up to the bench. Meanwhile striker George Ndah (knee) has recovered from his injury and is available for selection.

Centre-Half Rob Edwards picked up a back injury during the 1-0 defeat to Burnley and is unlikely to make the trip to Bramall Lane, therefore former Blade Jody Craddock may take his place.

The defender played ten league games for United during the 1999-2000 season after joining on loan from Sunderland, he made his Blades debut in the 2-2 home draw with Ipswich Town on 28 August 1999.

Predicted Wolves Starting Line-Up: Michael Oakes, Jolean Lescott, Jody Craddock, Lee Naylor, Gabor Gyepes, Colin Cameron, Rohan Ricketts, Mark Kennedy, Kenny Miller, Carl Cort, Ki-Hyeon Seol.


:: The last Time ::

Sheffield United 3-3 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Saturday, 27 November 2004.
Att: 18,946. Ref: L. Masson (Lancashire)

Blades: Kenny, Bromby (1), Morgan, Jagielka, Harley, Tonge (Montgomery, 79), Thirlwell (1), Quinn, Liddell, Gray (Beckett, 76), Shaw (1). Unused: Geary, Wright, Forte.

Wolves: Oakes, Clyde, Lescott (1), Craddock, Kennedy, Cameron (Seol, 81), Andrews, Olofinjana (1), Cooper, Cort (1), Sturridge (Miller, 75). Unused: Naylor, Newton, Murray.


:: Championship Fixtures ::

15.10.05 - Brighton & Hove Albion v Cardiff City, Burnley v Leeds United, Coventry City v Crystal Palace, Crewe Alexandra v Luton Town, Derby County v Stoke City, Norwich City v Millwall, Plymouth Argyle v Sheffield Wednesday, Preston North End v Queens Park Rangers, Sheffield United v Wolverhampton Wanderers, Southampton v Hull City, Watford v Leicester City.