Match Preview: Sheffield United v Doncaster Rovers

sheffield united vs. doncaster rovers

But the Blades plan to set the record straight when the South Yorkshire club come to the Steel City; they come into this fixture after facing a much troubled Ipswich Town who had yet to record a victory in the league prior to their meeting at Bramall Lane.

It was a night never to forget as the Blades fought back to draw three-three with the Blues; Darius Henderson had given the home side a 1-0 lead when a mistake by keeper Richard Wright allowed Henderson to head home (9 minutes), but Ipswich found a breath of resurgence and with goals from Jonathan Walters (24), Grand Leadbitter (34) and Gareth McAuley (70) sprung themselves into a 3-1 lead.

United, never beaten clawed a goal back by a swift move from Henderson (77) and four minutes into stoppage time another mistake by Wright allowed Chris Morgan (90+4) to stab home at the far post, moments later the game could have been won when James Harper shot agonisingly wide with the keeper beaten.

Defender Matthew Kilgallon (knee) limped off early in that game against the Blues and whilst its unclear as to how serious his injury is, its still more than likely that he will miss this South Yorkshire tie.

The Blades will most certainly be travelling to Pride 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 winger Keith Treacy (leg), 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, Andrew Davies, Andy Taylor, David Cotterill, James Harper, Nick Montgomery, Stephen Quinn, Ched Evans, Darius Henderson.

Swansea City completed an hat-trick of facing South Yorkshire opposition three times on the bounce when they faced Doncaster Rovers last Tuesday night at the Keepmoat Stadium; the Welsh club had already played Barnsley and Sheffield United prior to there midweek trip.

Last Saturday Rovers drew 2-2 at Scunthorpe United in a much heated derby clash with Billy Sharp netting for the visitors against his former club; however they saw both John Oster and former Lane trialist Quinton Fortune both receive straight reds during the game and will be suspended for their trip to Bramall Lane.

Duo James Hayter (groin) and James Coppenger (groin) whom are both carrying injuries but both could be made available to face the Blades due to a shortage of players and it is unclear as to if loan striker Billy Sharp will be allowed to feature against his registered club.

Sharp started life at the Lane in the academy, signing a professional contract in July 2004, he made his debut (as a substitute) in November in a 1-1 draw against Watford and was soon shipped out on loan to Rushden & Diamonds where he netted a hat-trick against Boston United (4-2).

That summer he completed a full transfer to Scunthorpe United; ending his association with the Blades. But in July 2007 he made an undisclosed move back to the Lane despite holding talks with Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich City. However things haven't quite worked out and on 1 September 2009 he joined Doncaster

Possible Rovers Line-Up: Neil Sullivan, Adam, Lockwood, James Chambers, Sam Hird, Gareth Roberts, John Spicer, James Coppinger, Martin Woods, Mark Wilson, Billy Sharp, Paul Heffernan.

Blades-Mad Prediction: Sheffield United 2-0 Doncaster Rovers

:: Statistics ::

For Head to Head statistics please click here.

Last 10 Games... Home & Away

* Statistics correct up to and including 01/08/2009

:: Match Officials ::

Referee: L. Probert
Assistants: A. Newbold & M. McDonough
Fourth Official: D. Webb