Chris Wilder will be aiming to record a better result than the 4-0 drumming inflicted on predecessor Nigel Adkins on the opening day of last season, when the Blades last visited the Priestfield Stadium.
Under the new managers’ reign, Wilder hasn't made an impressive start, though record their first victory last weekend against former club Oxford United, which was enough to lift them out of the bottom four. They followed up that victory with a 0-0 draw at home to Leicester City U-23's in the newly formatted Checkatrade Trophy, with the game tied at 90 minutes, the Blades lost 5-4 on penalties (no extra-time was played out).
Sheffield United got their first win of the season as goals from Billy Sharp and James Wilson cancelled out a Kane Hemmings opener to give them a 2-1 victory over Oxford United. Oxford took the lead through Hemmings in the 16th minute after United keeper Simon Moore could only parry a long-range Liam Sercombe into the path of the onrushing striker. United looked for a reply and Kieron Freeman was unlucky to see his effort deflect over the bar after a mazy run and pass by Mark Duffy.
Matt Done then had a low drive from inside the area pushed away by a strong Simon Eastwood hand. In the 52nd minute, a first-time effort from John Lundstram from the edge of the box was parried away by Moore after a clever free-kick routine by the visitors.
United equalised in the 65th minute as Sharp buried a Matt Done cross from close range. And the home side then took the lead as an in-swinging free-kick by Duffy was headed in by Wilson with 17 minutes remaining.
Sheffield United's new recruits Caolan Lavery, Ethan Ebanks-Landell and Daniel Lafferty are hoping to make their debuts for the club. Striker Lavery joined from city rivals Sheffield Wednesday for an undisclosed fee this week, while defenders Ebanks-Landell and Lafferty were deadline-day arrivals on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley respectively.
John Fleck returned to the starting line-up in the midweek Checkatrade Trophy clash with Leicester following a calf strain and should be available for a return to league action. Kieran Wallace and striker Marc McNulty have moved out on loan to Fleetwood and Bradford respectively.
Sixth placed Gillingham had made an explosive start to the season, gaining 7 points from the first 3 games of the season, before losing 5-0 at Scunthorpe United. Prior to today's League One fixture list, the Gills are three points behind leaders Bolton - though that could all change come 5pm tonight.
Defender Baily Cargill could go straight into the Gillingham squad for Sunday's Sky Bet League One game against Sheffield United after completing a loan move from AFC Bournemouth. Midfielder Jamie O'Hara played the second half of the midweek Checkatrade Trophy defeat at home against Luton, so could be in contention for a first start since signing from Fulham.
Defender Ryan Jackson has resumed training following a groin problem, so will be assessed, while summer signing Scott Wagstaff is also set to step up his rehabilitation from a calf problem Bradley Garmston and Aaron Morris (both knee) are still sidelined, while midfielder Lee Martin is a long-term absentee after suffering a serious ankle injury in pre-season.
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