Scunthorpe United were relegated from the Championship last season along with Colchester United and Leicester City, yet they managed to claim four points off United during the course of the season.
After finding themselves two goals down via Andy Crosby (31 minutes) and Martin Paterson (61) the Blades drew level after substitute Danny Webber (79 & 83) netted twice, defender Derek Geary (89) was sent off for his second book able offence before the Iron scrambled home a winner through Matt Sparrow (90).
In the return fixture at Bramall Lane the Blades and the Iron shared the spoils in a 0-0 bore draw with Grant McCann receiving his matching orders just ten minutes into the game. It was a result which would cost then Blades boss Bryan Robson his job.
The Iron are likely to feature former Sheffield United trainee Jonathan Forte, the striker came through the youth ranks at Bramall lane, but never quite hit it off. He featured on and off for United between July 2003 and July 2007 - playing just five times (+34) and netting once.
Also Kevan Hurst is expected to make a start against the Blades; he was signed by the Iron from Sheffield United after a successful loan spell in May 2007. Like Forte, Hurst made his way through the youth ranks at Bramall Lane but failed break into the team - he has only ever made four substitute appearances since he signed in August 2003. He has also represented Boston United, Stockport County and Chesterfield on loan.
New Iron signings; Kenny Milne (from Falkirk), Garry Thompson (Morecambe) and Gary Hooper (Southend United) have all been drafted in as the club plan win promotion back to the Championship, funding for these players has been largely due to £1,000,000 transfer received from Burnley for star striker Martin Paterson.
Possible Iron Line-Up: Joe Murphy, Cliff Bryne, Izzy Iriekpen, Kenny Milne, Williams, Gary Thompson, Matt Sparrow, Ian Morris, Kevan Hurst, Paul Hayes, Ben May.
Sheffield United have already played abroad in Hungary, Belgium and the Netherlands and now start a tour of England where they come face to face with Scunthorpe United, Bury and Huddersfield Town as part of their Football League opponents.
It was a successful tour with United claiming a win in every fixture - however James Beattie didn't travel with the team has he is currently suffering with a calf injury and is unknown has to when he will be fit.
Blades boss Kevin Blackwell has been quick to move in the transfer market, and although striker Rob Hulse has joined Derby County the Blades have been linked with a move for Darius Henderson (Watford) and Heidar Helguson (Bolton Wanderers) whilst defender Sun Jihai (Manchester City) and Greg Halford (Sunderland, loan) have moved to S2.
Striker Billy Sharp is expected to feature against former club Scunthorpe United; 'Billy Wizz' was signed by the Iron from the Blades in August 2005 in a £100,000 deal and sold back to the Blades two years later. During his time at Glanford Park Sharp was made a legend, making 82 (+3) appearances and netting 56 goals in two seasons.
Possible Blades Line-Up: Paddy Kenny, Sun Jihai, Chris Morgan, Matthew Kilgallon, Derek Geary, Keith Gillespie, Michael Tonge, Gary Speed, Stephen Quinn, Danny Webber, Billy Sharp.