Scunthorpe United return to Glanford Park after two weeks absence due to the international break after a 2-1 defeat at Plymouth Argyle, the Pilgrims recorded a rare victory with goals from Roty Fallon and Alan Judge (penalty) with a reply from Gary Cooper (penalty).
The Iron expect to see Michael O'Connor and Grant McCann return to the side after they both travelled with the Northern Ireland team during the international break; keeper Joe Murphy (dead leg) also represented the Republic of Ireland despite being injured.
Striker Jonathan Forte is likely to feature at some point against the Blades this weekend; he came through the youth ranks at Bramall Lane - signing professional contract in July 2003 and made his debut as a substitute in January 2004 during a 3-0 FA Cup win at Nottingham Forest (replacing Paul Peschisolido on the hour mark).
During his time at the Lane the appearances he made was majority as a substitute and didn't get many first team starts, in all he played 5 (+34) times for the Blades and scored just once. He completed a full transfer to Scunthorpe United in July 2007. He can also list Doncaster Rovers, Rotherham United and Nott's
County as other former clubs!
Possible Iron Line-Up: Joe Murphy, Cliff Bryne, Rob Jones, Sam Togwell, Josh Wright, Andrew Wright, Grant McCann, Ian Morris, Matthew Sparrow, Paul Hayes, Gary Hooper.
The Blades come into this fixture on back of a 1-1 draw with Doncaster Rovers two weeks ago; the visitors had taken the lead through James Hayter just before the break before Richard Cresswell netted on his first start for United since joining on loan from Stoke City.
United came close to finding a winner when Darius Henderson's powerful header rattled against the crossbar - he is likely to partner Ched Evans whom has returned from international duty with Wales in attack, However they are to be without midfield general Nick Montgomery (medial ligament damage) through injury and could be out until Christmas.
The Blades will most certainly be travelling to Glanford Park without keeper Paddy Kenny who was handed a nine month ban in early September and is expected to return in April 2010; on loan shot stopper Mark Bunn (Blackburn Rovers) is expected to take his place.
United, however will also be without strikers Jamie Ward (leg) and Richard Cresswell (rib), midfielder Lee Williamson (back) who looks to require sugary after a pre-season out injured as well as Gary Speed (back) and Gary Naysmith (knee).
Possible Blades Line-Up: Mark Bunn, Kyle Walker, Chris Morgan, Matthew Kilgallon, Andy Taylor, Glen Little, James Harper, Stephen Quinn, Keith Treacy, Darius Henderson, Ched Evans.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Scunthorpe United 1-2 Sheffield United
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:: Match Officials ::
Referee: A. Bates
Assistants: D. Street & J. Whiteley
Fourth Official: W. Grunnill