Sheffield United supporters know that any opportunity in their club overcoming the impossible and finishing in a top six position following the sound of the final whistle in the home game with Scunthorpe on 8th May, are stacked heavily against them. United will be required to win at the Poact Stadium tomorrow, as well as claiming victory in their remaining fixtures.
A win in last weekend's fixture, at home to Gillingham, would have boosted their chances of reaching their goal. But they were left frustrated with one newspaper going with the headline; 'Pain at the Lane,' after spurring a number of chances to win the match, but settling for a 0-0 draw, leaving the gap at 9 points with games slowly counting down.
Sheffield United and Gillingham played out a goalless draw in League One despite a number of good chances at either end. United's Che Adams went close to scoring in the opening minute when his thunderous shot from an acute angle rattled the woodwork. The visitors enjoyed a good spell with Rory Donnelly's overhead kick only just clearing the bar after keeper George Long dropped a long throw. Long then saved Jake Hessenthaler's 20-yard effort.
Adams' shot from the edge of the area was kept out by Stuart Nelson, who also saved from Ryan Flynn, Paul Coutts and Billy Sharp before the break. Gillingham's Deji Oshilaja wasted a great chance, heading over from close range.
Shortly before the interval, the visitors survived a strong penalty appeal when Flynn went tumbling inside the area following Nelson's challenge. Early in the second half, Nelson saved from Coutts while Matt Done put a far post header off target. Luke Norris had a shot cleared off the line by Jay McEveley, with the Gillingham players claiming in vain that the United skipper handled the ball.
Blades boss Nigel Adkins has a short injury list with only Right Wing-Back John Brayford (calf) side-lined through injury, though Forward Martyn Woolford (ankle) has returned to the side as a substitute in the last few outings.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Chesterfield 1 Sheffield United 2
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