Sheffield United come into this fixture laying 18th in the table after a 1-0 defeat at Leeds United last Saturday; Bradley Johnson grabbed the game's only goal after Robert Snodgrass capitalised on a mistake by Stephen Jordan to race clear and cut the ball back to an unmarked Johnson.
The Blades hit the bar via a Johannes Ertl header with Richard Cresswell unable to finish. Prior to United's missed opportunity both sides were reduced to ten men. Robert Snodgrass was dismissed after receiving two cautions whilst Jamie Ward was handed a red after a rash challenge.
Blades boss Gary Speed will select a squad without Darius Henderson (hamstring), Ryan France (knee), Lee Williamson (back), Robert Kozluk (leg) and captain Chris Morgan (calf) - midfielder Nick Montgomery is expected to once again take the captain's armband in his absence.
Forward Jamie Ward will be suspended following his red card at Elland Road; he will serve a three match ban starting this Tuesday at City. Ward will also be unavailable for the fixtures concerning Watford and Burnley at Bramall Lane.
Expected Eleven: Steve Simonsen, Jean Calvé, Kyle Bartley, Nyron Nosworthy, Stephen Jordan, Johannes Ertl, Leon Britton, Nick Montgomery, Stephen Quinn, Richard Cresswell, Ched Evans.
Nottingham Forest claimed a 3-1 victory over Swansea City last Saturday at the City Ground; Lewis McGugan continued his fine form with a double in the 3-1 victory in front of just under 20,000. Radoslaw Majewski sealed a win that takes Billy Davies's side into the top half of the Championship.
The win pushed Billy Davies side six places above the Blades but yet just one point in front with just eleven points in total after eight games. Cedric van der Gun netted a consolation for the Swans in the final minute.
There are doubts over striker Robert Earnshaw (hamstring) and Kevin Wilson (calf)n who are both shaking off injuries; though David McGoldrick could be amongst the substitutes after featuring for their reserves last week.
Expected Eleven: Lee Camp, Chris Gunter, Luke Chambers, Wes Morgan, Ryan Bertrand, Paul Anderson, Guy Moussi, Lewis McGugan, Chris Cohen, Paul Mckenna, Dexter Blackstock.