Match Preview: Sheffield United v Peterborough United

sheffield united vs.peterborough united

Almost fortnight ago the Blades faced Barnsley at Oakwell were the two teams shared a 2-2 draw, but from a Blades fans point of view it was a less than convincing performance. The scores were locked level at 0-0 at the break with United making two forced changes in the form of Matthew Kilgallon (for Derek Geary) and Ian Bennett (for Mark Bunn).

But it was the Tykes who found the back of the net first, Franca Anderson Silva (53 minutes) firing home from the edge of the area in a crowded box, but straight from the kick-off Keith Treacy weaved around the back four before slamming his shot against the post.

On 61 minutes United were handed a lifeline when Ched Evans was judged to have been tripped in the box by keeper Luke Steele; up stepped Darius Henderson who hammered the ball home - but Daniel Bogdanovic (74) was left unmarked to hand Barnsley a 2-1 lead.

But it was deja vu for the Colliers as another penalty was awarded; Adam Hammill this time the culprit when he needlessly tripped Kyle Walker - Henderson again finishing off the spot kick. It was the former Watford strikers seventh goal of the season, and his fourth goal in the previous three outings.

However Matthew Kilgallon (ankle ligaments) and Ian Bennett (hand) will join the long list of players who are likely to be unavailable; Richard Cresswell (hip), Nick Montgomery, Gary Naysmith, Lee Williamson (back), Gary Speed (back), Jordan Stewart, Andrew Davies (hip), Kyle Walker, Derek Geary (ankle).

The injury sustained to on-loan centre-half Andrew Davies (hip) could rule him out of action up to six weeks and could force the defender to return to Stoke City earlier than expected.

Though there could be light at the end of the tunnel for some players, despite not being match fit Derek Geary featured in the draw at Barnsley whilst Scotland international Gary Naysmith played in the reserves 4-1 defeat to Derby County a week ago (Henri Camara with the goal).

Keeper Paddy Kenny remains suspended (drugs ban) and won't return to action 24th April when Sheffield United entertain Swansea City at Bramall Lane, however they are boosted by the return of Chris Morgan from suspension. The defender missed the 2-2 draw at Barnsley after receiving five yellow cards over the course of the season.

Shot stopper Ian Bennett could retain his place in the Blades goal, with the former Birmingham City and Leeds United keeper coming face to face against his former club. He joined the Posh from Newcastle United (via Queens Park Rangers) in March 1991 on a free transfer and its their he was handed his professional debut.

He played his first ever game in August 1993 against Derby County (won 1-0) and went onto make 89 (+0) appearances for the London Road club before moving onto Birmingham City in December 1993 in a £325,000 fee.

Possible Blades Line-Up: Mark Bunn, Kyle Walker, Chris Morgan, Andrew Davies, Derek Geary, Jamie Ward, James Harper, Stephen Quinn, Keith Treacy, Ched Evans, Darius Henderson.

Statistically Peterborough United have failed to keep a clean sheet this season, nor have they managed to win away from their London Road home, this was evident in their previous fixture at Newcastle United a fortnight ago where the Magpies recorded a 3-1 home win.

The home side took the lead through Jonas Gutierrez (15 minutes) and was swiftly doubled by an Andy Carroll (18) header which was enough to dent any hopes of a comeback from the Posh.

In the second half Danny Simpson (52) netted his first goal for the Black & White club whilst at the other end Dean Keates (79) netted a scant consolation.

The defeat left Peterborough routed to the bottom of the Coca-Cola Championship inevitably cost manger Darren Ferguson his job and United fans can expect to see a new face at the helm at Bramall Lane this Saturday.

Former Sheffield United starlets Andy Scott (Brentford boss) and Chris Wilder (Oxford United manager) were on the betting odds to take the hot seat at London Road - in the end they appointed Mark Copper (Kettering Town) who moved from the Conference side along with his assistant Nicky Eaden (ex-Barnsley).

The new manager will be without defender Tom Williams who despite suffering with an ankle injury has been loaned out to Queens Park Rangers; therefore Tommy Rowe may retain his place or they could hand a debut to new signing Scott Griffiths at left

Possible Posh Line-Up: Joe Lewis, Craig Morgan, Ryan Bennett, Charlie Lee, Dean Keates, Tommy Rowe, Toumani Diagouraga, Chris Whelpdale, Danny Rose, George Boyd, Craig Mackail-Smith.

Blades-Mad Prediction: Sheffield United 2-0 Peterborough United

:: Statistics ::

For Head to Head statistics please click here.

Last 6 Games... Home & Away

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

:: Match Officials ::

Referee: G. Hegley
Assistants: S. Clayton & P. Norris
Fourth Official: S. Duncan