The Blades come into this local derby with neighbours Doncaster Rovers not in good shape having lost at home to Wigan Athletic by two goals to nil seven days ago. They have however drawn three and lost twice in their last six fixtures. They won dramatically 2-1 at Colchester United and this run also included the late defeat by the hands of Manchester United in the Emirates FA Cup.
Goals from Will Grigg and Conor McAleney helped in-form Wigan to a 2-0 victory over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. Grigg and McAleney scored in the space of three second-half minutes to extend the Latics' unbeaten Sky Bet League One run to nine games and move them up to third. Wigan enjoyed much of the early possession but it was United who threatened as Jose Baxter instinctively chipped the ball just wide of Jussi Jaaskelainen's post.
Yanic Wildschut had Wigan's best opportunity of the first half but he was unable to convert a pinpoint Donervon Daniels cross. Grigg opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 52nd minute after Wildschut was upended in the box by the Blades' Chris Basham. Debutant McAleney made it 2-0 three minutes later, smashing in a low drive past the hosts' despairing goalkeeper George Long.
United captain Jay McEveley tried his best to inspire a comeback but could only strike wide after a lung-bursting run and shot. Wigan were awarded another penalty 16 minutes from time after Chris McCann was tripped by Paul Coutts but Long saved Grigg's tame effort low to the keeper's left-hand side.
Sheffield United boss Nigel Adkins is hoping several unnamed players overcome various knocks in time to feature. Defender Bob Harris could be in contention after playing for the Under-21s this week. He has struggled to recover full fitness since sustaining concussion in the FA Cup win against Oldham in early December. Versatile Kieran Wallace also returned to full training this week, but midfielder Stefan Scougall remains sidelined due to a knee injury.
Striker Matt Done, winger Jamal Campbell-Ryce and forward Che Adams are among those pushing for recalls as the Blades chase their first league win in four.
Thorsten Stuckmann, Andy Butler and Nathan Tyson are all in contention for Doncaster's derby clash with rivals Sheffield United. Goalkeeper Stuckmann (shoulder), defender Butler (groin) and striker Tyson (knee and calf) have all shaken off injury and could return to the starting line-up.
On-loan Everton winger Conor Grant will be assessed after missing the home defeat to Walsall last time out due to a rib injury. Rovers are bidding to avoid a fourth straight defeat to United and approach the match without a win in five.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Doncaster Rovers 1 Sheffield United 2
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