The Blades extended their unbeaten run to four matches without a loss with a victory at Shrewsbury Town last Tuesday night. However they surrendered their three consecutive clean sheets and following 324 minutes of football, George Long conceded in a 2-1 win. United's last defeat came on 30th March at Southend United (1-3) and since then the Red and White Wizards have claimed wins over Walsall (2-0), Chesterfield (3-0) and at Shrewsbury, whilst recording a 0-0 draw at home to Gillingham.
The midweek win at the Greenhous Meadows put United into ninth place and along with Rochdale and Scunthorpe United remain four points behind sixth spot Gillingham.
Sheffield United kept alive their slim play-off challenge with a 2-1 win at lowly Shrewsbury. The hosts squandered an early chance to move ahead when they were awarded a seventh-minute penalty after United defender Jay McEveley handled Sullay Kaikai's cross. Kyle Vassell took the spot-kick but his effort was comfortably saved by goalkeeper George Long. United then added to Shrewsbury's frustration by moving ahead in the 19th minute thanks to Billy Sharp's 20th goal of the season.
Ryan Flynn slipped a pass through to Sharp and he fired low to the corner of the net past Jayson Leutwiler from just inside the penalty area. Sharp had earlier drilled just off target after exchanging passes with strike partner Che Adams. Shrewsbury, who are just two points clear of the relegation zone, pressed for an equaliser and Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro's shot was well kept out by Long before skipper Nat Knight-Percival's header was hacked to safety.
The home side finally pulled level nine minutes into the second half when midfielder Abu Ogogo turned in Kaikai's low cross from the right from 10 yards. But United, who sit four points outside the play-off places, claimed maximum points in the 66th minute when Adams fired in a low angled drive from the edge of the area.
Sheffield United boss Nigel Adkins could field the same starting line-up for the fifth straight game. Adkins has no new injury or suspension concerns as his side bid to extend their unbeaten run to five matches. Defender John Brayford remains side-lined due to a calf injury sustained at the end of last month that may have ended his season early.
Possible Blades Line-Up (3-5-2):
Long
Baptiste - Edgar - McEveley
Done - Flynn - Hammond - Coutts - Basham
Sharp - Adams
Blades-Mad Prediction: Sheffield United 2 Barnsley 0
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