Goals from Billy Sharp and Marc McNulty sealed a 2-0 victory against the Seasiders last August in what was the Blades second home encounter of the new 2015/16 season. Since then United have had a wave of a campaign but despite criticism from home supporters, the Blades lay 8th in the table with a victory tonight going a long way to reaching the top six. Having won at Colchester ten days ago and drawn at home to Swindon Town last weekend, the Blades are two games unbeaten.
Sheffield United failed to capitalise on a first-half penalty from Billy Sharp as they were held 1-1 by Swindon. Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill scored for the visitors. Sharp (eight) scored from the penalty spot to put the hosts ahead after Paul Coutts was fouled by Jordan Turnbull following his burst into the area. United could have doubled their tally minutes later but the unmarked Sharp saw his header go wide of Swindon keeper Lawrence Vigouroux's goal.
Into the second half and an early mix up by Vigouroux and Swindon captain Raphael Rossi-Branco let Coutts in on goal but he was unable to apply the finish. Nicky Ajose thought he had won Swindon a penalty on the hour-mark after being tripped by United keeper George Long but he was adjudged offside. Swindon's continued pressing United and equalised through left-back Ormonde-Ottewill (79) after a neat turn and finish. Jonathan Obika's long-range effort almost won it for the visitors but Long saved well to his right.
Sheffield United boss Nigel Adkins is set to shuffle his pack after Saturday's frustrating draw with Swindon. Midfielder Chris Basham is a major doubt for the Blades after limping off with a slight knock midway through the second half of the 1-1 draw. Adkins has a number of options with both Jose Baxter and Louis Reed in line to start after impressing from the bench at Bramall Lane. Meanwhile, striker Billy Sharp will bid for his eighth goal in consecutive games after keeping his run going with an early strike on Saturday.
Mark Cullen is pushing to start for Blackpool in Tuesday night's Sky Bet League One clash with Sheffield United at Bloomfield Road. Cullen played the last 20 minutes of Saturday's 1-1 draw at Walsall in a successful return after spending three games out with a hamstring injury. Martin Paterson is set to face a late fitness test as he continues to struggle with a calf injury. The Tangerines' valuable draw at Walsall lifted them one point clear of the relegation zone.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Blackpool 1 Sheffield United 3
Why not make your opinions heard by joining the Blades-Mad Message-Baord
