Sheffield United had ended 2015 in a flurishing finish with five games unbeaten, having drawn at Barnsley (1-1) they claimed victories over Oldham Athletic (1-0) in the FA Cup and further league wins against; CoventryCity (1-0), Scunthorpe United (1-0) and Bradford City (3-1). However they started 2016 with a home defeat to Peterborough United, losing 3-2 when a draw looked to be in the bag.
Conor Washington was on target again as Peterborough secured a 3-2 victory over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. Washington, being tracked by several Championship sides, opened the scoring in the 18th minute, beating George Long from distance for his 14th goal of the season. Peterborough went close to extending their lead when a shot from Andrew Fox was deflected into the side-netting. The home side pressed with Ben Alnwick saving from Chris Basham and David Edgar while a Billy Sharp effort came back off a post.
But Sharp equalised from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute after being brought down by Michael Smith. Alnwick then made a good save low to his left to keep out a Paul Coutts free-kick and Basham headed wide. Erhun Oztumer nudged Posh back in front three minutes into the second half with a stunning long-range effort. Jack Baldwin was unfortunate to divert Basham's effort into his own net to make it 2-2 seven minutes from time. The home side's joy was short-lived, however, as substitute Martin Samuelsen struck a superb winner just a minute later following a mazy run into the area.
Blades boss Nigel Adkins could make surprise changes to his side with the inclusion of Matt Done (hamstring) who missed the home defeat to Peterborough through injury. The striker limped off injured with 25 minutes played in the 31 win at home to Bradford City on 28 December. Should be be included he is likely to replace Conor Sammon who would in turn drop to the bench Meanwhile .midfielder Jose Baxter has seemingly been handed a lifeline and could be included in this match at Old Trafford.
Latest Blades Line-up vs. Peterborough United (4-4-2):
Long
Brayford - Edgar - Collins - McEverley
Coutts - Basham - Hammond - Woolford
Sammon - Sharp
Blades-Mad Prediction: Manchester United 0-0 Sheffield United
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