Sheffield United will be looking to stagger to a play-off place after being inconsistent in form over the last couple of months. And as they come to the business end of the season a point or less at Oakwell tomorrow may leave the Blades wondering if they will finish in the top six.
A defeat to Crewe Alexandra last Saturday saw United end a run of four games unbeaten but with results edging slightly ijn their favour they failed to claim three vital points in pushing clear of 7th place. With the remainder of League One having already fulfilled their Easter weekend fixtures the Blades remain 5th in the table and only 5 points ahead of 7th spot.
Ryan Colclough made a fairytale return to football by scoring Crewe's late winner in a 2-1 success at Sheffield United. Play-off hopefuls United appeared to have claimed at least a point when Jason Holt, on loan from Hearts, cancelled-out Lauri Della Valle's first-half opener. But Crewe substitute Colclough scored a memorable winner in the 89th minute as the visitors claimed their first ever win at Bramall Lane. United had made just one change to the starting XI which had beaten Scunthorpe in midweek with Mark Howard replacing Iain Turner between the posts. Howard has been struggling with a back injury of late but was deemed fit enough to start.
He was powerless to prevent Dalla Valle opening the scoring after 11 minutes though when the former Finland Under-21 international seized on Uche Ikpeazu's pass and powered home from close range. Bramall Lane had all the atmosphere of a dentist's waiting room and, from United's perspective, the football was similarly dull. Nicky Ajose should have doubled Crewe's lead soon after when Anthony Grant robbed John Brayford of possession but shot straight at Howard.
United did have the ball in the net midway through the first-half, but Ryan Flynn's effort was disallowed for a foul on Crewe goalkeeper Paul Rachubka, who later breathed a sigh of relief when Brayford headed over from Jamie Murphy's corner. Holt levelled in the 56th minute following an excellent move. Bob Harris worked the ball forward, Murphy crossed and the midfielder controlled it with one foot before producing an angled finish with the other. Brayford hit the post with a header following a 78th-minute corner taken by substitute Ben Davies before Colclough, now recovered from a long-standing hernia problem, pounced for the winner.
Blades boss Nigel Clough could be boosted by the return of duo Stefan Scougall (knee) and Jay McEveley (shoulder). Scottish midfielder Scougall has been sidelined since February but featured for the U21 side this week and former Barnsley defender McEveley has missed the last three fixtures. However Terry Kennedy (knee) is once again unlikely to take part but keeper Mark Howard (back) is expected to return.
Since the dismissal of Danny Wilson, Barnsley have gone from strength to strength. The Reds lost 5-1 at Crawley Town days after losing their manager but since then (via new boss Lee Johnson) have undertaken an epic run which has seen the former colliery town stake 9 games unbeaten and have drawn their last three matches against; Leyton Orient (0-0), Preston North End (1-1) and last week at league leaders Bristol City (2-2). It has been an impress run of form which has seen the Reds move to 8th in the table and four points away from the top 6.
Joe Bryan grabbed an 84th-minute equaliser to earn runaway Sky Bet League One leaders Bristol City a home point from a 2-2 draw with Barnsley at Ashton Gate. The left wing-back netted with a right-footed volley from the edge of the box just after visiting goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith had marked his debut on loan from Sheffield Wednesday with two brilliant saves. Marlon Pack had put City ahead from the penalty spot after 13 minutes when Barnsley centre-back Jean-Yves Mvoto went to ground unnecessarily to trip Kieran Agard.
But Jabo Ibehre equalised with a low shot on the turn in a crowded box just before the break and then set up Josh Scowen to round keeper Frank Fielding and fire Barnsley ahead early in the second half. The Robins saved their best football for a frantic finale, which saw them create several chances, but Lee Johnson's men were well worth their point for a committed performance which extended their unbeaten streak under the ex-Oldham boss to seven games.
Reds boss Lee Johnson may be in for a spot of keeper crisis when they entertain Sheffield United tomorrow. They are hoping that first team shot stopper Adam Davies (abdomen) has recovered from his injury. Should he not be fit then they will turn to Joe Wildsmith, 19 who is on loan from rivals Sheffield Wednesday to turn out in goal - he made his football league debut at Aston Gate last week.
They are also without midfielder Paul Digby and Ross Turnbull (both back) who remain sidelined. Meanwhile Peter Ramage (calf) and Mason Holgate (hamstring) are doubtful.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Barnsley 0 Sheffield United 1
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