Match Preview: Sheffield United v Newcastle United

Last updated : 01 November 2009 By @blades_mad1889

sheffield united vs. newcastle united
The Blades come into this fixture on a loss, a thrilling 4-3 defeat to the hands of Cardiff City a week ago at the Lane - it was to be the home sides first league defeat of the season at the Lane since 7th February when United lost 2-1 to their rivals Sheffield Wednesday.

Jay Bothroyd got the game off to a flyer (41) when a comical mistake by Chris Morgan allowed the striker to finish past Ian Bennett, it set off a frantic four minutes which concluded with four goals. Darius Henderson (43) levelled the scores up before the former Watford forward turned villain, fouling in the box to hand City a spot kick.

Peter Whittingham (45) stepped up and slammed the ball home, but all was not lost - Ched Evans saw his header saved by David Marshall but Henderson (45) acted quickest to head the ball home; 2-2.

Action in goal didn't cool down after the break either with Whittingham completing his hat-tick (60 & 85) but James Haper (90) pulled one back to give hope to the United faithful, and it looked as though Stephen Quinn had spared their blushes when he netted very late on but the offside flag was raised against the plucky midfielder.

Striker Henri Camara came off the substitutes bench during the game against the Bluebirds to make his debut, he may be given a vital role against the Magpies this Monday but is likely to be once again included on the bench.

The Blades will host Newcastle United without keeper Paddy Kenny who was handed a nine month ban in early September and has since saw his appeal turn down - he will 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), midfielder Lee Williamson (back) who looks to require sugary after a pre-season out injured as well as Nick Montgomery (ligaments), Gary Speed (back) and Gary Naysmith (knee).

Possible Blades Line-Up: Mark Bunn, Kyle Walker, Chris Morgan, Matthew Kilgallon, Jordan Stewart, Glen Little, Stephen Quinn, James Harper, Keith Treacy, Ched Evans, Darius Henderson.

Newcastle United escaped plucked the 'get of jail free' card a week ago when they entertained Doncaster Rovers at Stn James Park; Dean Shiels (18) had given the visitors an unlikely lead but local hero Andy Carroll (67) set the scores straight. A draw would have been a fair result for both sides but Kevin Nolan (90) clinched the spoilers with his last minute strike.

The Toon saw defender Zurub Khizanishvili red carded in the letter stages of their game with Rovers and will be suspended for their trip to Bramall Lane; the former Glasgow Rangers centre-half is currently on loan from Blackburn Rovers.

Magpies manager Chris Hughton will be without the services of a further six players through injury; Joey Barton (foot), Steven Taylor (hamstring), Fabricio Coloccini (groin), Shola Amiobi (foot), Haris Vudic (knee and ankle) and Danny Simpson (ankle).

Possible Magpies Line-Up: Steve Harper, Tamas Kadar, Ryan Taylor, Ben Tozer, Jose Sanchez Enrique, Jonas Gutierrez, Nicky Butt, Danny Guthrie, Kevin Nolan, Andy Carroll, Marlon Harewood.

Blades-Mad Prediction: Sheffield United 1-1 Newcastle United


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:: Match Officials ::

Referee: K. Friend
Assistants: S. Burt & J. Collin
Fourth Official: A. Wiley