Bury's fine form at the beginning of the season has seemingly come to a stuttering end. They won 3-1 at Bramall Lane on 13 September and looked set to be dark horses of the Division as they crept into the top six. With just two wins in their last ten League One outings (and one draw) the Shakers have slipped to a lowly 16th in the table and now look to consolidate their place in the Division.
Recent defeats at Barnsley (0-3) and Coventry City (0-6) last Saturday has given them something to think about, mainly in defence but also in attack having conceded nine goals without scoring any in reply. Including tonight's encounter against Sheffield United, Gigg Lane will host their next three league fixtures and with Colchester United and Barnsley making the trip to Lancashire they will be searching for much needed points!
Coventry were back to their thrilling best as they thrashed Bury 6-0 at the Ricoh Arena. The Sky Blues had the three points wrapped up by half-time after flying into a four-goal lead before the break. Chris Stokes volleyed the first in the fourth minute as he latched onto Joe Cole's corner. Baily Cargill fired his first goal for Coventry in the 12th minute from close range after another set-piece delivery from Cole.
It got even better for the home team in the 16th minute when they took a quick free-kick in midfield and James Maddison dribbled forward before shooting home from the edge of the area. Bury had a couple of good chances before John Fleck made it four in the 43rd minute as he was allowed time and space to hit a low shot past Ian Lawlor in the Bury goal. Coventry made it five in the 68th minute as Adam Armstrong raced onto a pass from Cole and slotted home before Fleck put the ball on a plate for the striker in the 70th minute for him to grab a second.
As expected, Bury boss David Flitcroft welcomed back midfielder Kelvin Etuhu after he recovered from a hamstring injury and having completed 90 minutes is likely to retain his place against the Blades tonight. Meanwhile Goalkeeper Rob Lainton, who has not played since tearing his groin in October, saw a specialist last Wednesday.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Bury 0 Sheffield United 2
Why not make your opinions heard by joining the Blades-Mad Message-Baord
