Last Saturday there were two Yorkshire Derby's in Bradford. The first was Bradford Park Avenue v Whitby Town, where Town won 3-2. The second and probably the most important was that between Bradford City and Sheffield United.
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The Blades came out clear winners as they thumped the Bantams to a 5-0 victory. Ex-Bantam Dean Windass set up Steve Kabba to score first goal after 14 minutes, and with 5 minutes to go in first half Windass added a goal himself to make it 2-0.
Before Shaun Murphy headed home Blades third ex-Blade Gus Uhlenbeek was sent off for a foul on Michael Tonge. Tonge was involved in next goal has was brought down in penalty area only for Michael Brown to tuck away the penalty. Boaz Myhill made a goalkeeping error to let Carl Asaba scored his eight goal of the season.
Since that victory at Valley Parade, The Blades have not picked up any injuries.
Likely Line-Up: Paddy Kenny (GK), Phil Jagielka DF), Shaun Murphy (DF), Robert Page (DF), Jon Harley (DF), Peter Ndlovu (MF), Stuart McCall (MF), Michael Brown (MF), Michael Tonge (MF), Steve Kabba (CF), Dean Windass (CF).
The Eagles should have Andrew Johnson back after he made his first
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start for weeks against Reading on Tuesday night. A definite injury is Dougie Freedman who will miss next six weeks to a Hernia.
After serving his suspension, Danny Granville should start in the Palace defence, however Australian International Tony Popovic is touch and go on whether he will play or not. Palace captain Curtis Fleming and Ade Akinbye are likely to miss the game.
Returning from injury is 17 year old star player Wayne Routledge who is expected to start.
Likely Line-Up: Alex Kilinko (GK), Danny Butterfield (DF), Darren Powell (DF), Kit Symons (DF), Danny Granville (DF), Julian Gray (MF), Shaun Derry (MF), Hayden Mullins (MF), Wayne Routledge (MF), Andrew Johnson (CF), Dele Adebola (CF).
Our annual meeting did not go according to plan last season when Palace went away with three points after a 3-1 win. Jamie Smith took lead after 12 minutes for visitors, United equalized through Shane Nicholson on 74 minute but a Dougie Freedman penalty soon put Eagles a head four minutes later. In 90th minute David Hopkin scored to win the game 3-1.
Prediction: This will not be a easy game for United as Palace are not all that far away from Play-Offs and will want to win. I think that United will win this one 1-0.