The Blades travelled to Selhurst Park last Satutday in the search of their first away win of the season whilst the Eagles had yet to win at home all season. The first half in this encounter wasn't the greatest and came as no surprise as the game tolled in at 0-0 at half-time.
After the break United improved and three minutes into the restart the Blades took the lead when Mark Hudson turned into his own net following a Keith Gillespie corner. Tom Soares (60) and Carl Fletcher (70) put the home side ahead before James Beattie (76) latched onto a loose ball to chip over keeper Julian Speroni.
This looked to be another 2-2 draw but referee Kevin Friend awarded Palace a penalty when Chris Morgan was judged to have fouled Fletcher; Ben Watson (89) stepped up and dispatched.
Sheffield United will be without new boy Gary Cahill who is illegible to play; the defender featured during Aston Villa's 5-0 victory at Wycombe Wanderers in round two and is now cup-tied.
Defender Derek Geary returns from a three match suspension after being sent-off at the beginning of the month in the 3-2 defeat at Scunthorpe United. However boss Bryan Robson may keep Leigh Bromby in the back four and save Geary for the crunch match next Saturday against Southampton.
Sheffield United have completed the signing of former Brazilian international José Marcelo Ferreira (commonly known as Zé Maria) and may opt to hand him a debut at right full-back against Morcambe.
Predicted Blades Line-Up: Paddy Kenny, José Marcelo Ferreira, Chris Morgan, Chris Lucketti, Matthew Kilgallon, David Carney, Michael Tonge, Alan Quinn, Stephen Quinn, Billy Sharp, Danny Webber.
Morecambe travel to Bramall Lane on back of a 1-1 draw; the Ships drew with Peterborough United who are expected to win League Two at a canter. However it was the Posh who took the lead when Aaron McLean (63) despatched his penalty before Gary Thompson (83) netted his first Football League goal to tie the game level.
The visitors will be without striker Wayne Curtis (ankle) who is currently out injured.
The Shrimps could line up with a host of players who has done the rounds in the Football League over the years; most notably; Michael Twiss and Jon Newby who have both represented the Blades whilst on loan from their respective clubs.
Twiss signed for the Blades on loan from Manchester United during the 1998-99 season under manager Steve Bruce; he started just twice for the Blades (+10) and scored once.
Meanwhile Newbry signed on loan from Liverpool during the 2000-01 campaign and played three (+10) times; but failed to score for Neil Warnock's side.
Predicted Shrimps Line-Up: Joe Lewis, Danny Adams, David Artell, Jim Bentley, Adam Yates, Carl Barker, Neil Sorvel, Craig Stanley, Damien Allen, Michael Twiss, Matthew Blinkhorn.
:: Last Five Meetings ::
at Bramall Lane...
- This is the first meeting between the two clubs.