Match preview: Sheffield United vs Nottingham Forest

Sheffield United vs Nottingham Forest

The Blades and Forest both go into the game on the back of a victory each. United were triumphant when Brian Howard netted the only goal of the game in front of live television to shoot the Blades up to 2nd, but Birmingham's draw at Charlton notched Kevin Blackwell's men back down to 3rd.

Forest emphatically came out on top in a five goal thriller yesterday (Saturday). Dexter Blackstock's volley in injury time salvaged Billy Davies' men the three points over Bristol City. The Robins went ahead twice but were pegged back when goals from Earnshaw, Garner and Blackstock saw off play-off chasers Bristol.

United have a number of injury problems which they will be assessing over the Easter weekend. Jamie Ward was stretchered off on Friday but there has been no concrete news released on the seriousness of the injury the former Chesterfield striker picked up.

Stephen Quinn didn't travel with the lads down to the Madejski so his fitness will be looked at in the next day or so. Matt Kilgallon passed a late fitness test to play in United's encounter with Reading, although the 25-year-old did seem to pick up a knee injury in Good Friday's game so we imagine he will also be assessed.

Billy Sharp, Ugo Ehiogu and Gary Speed are all out for the season, although the latter is doing some management work on the touchlines along with Kevin Blackwell.

Arturo Lupoli will be pushing for a start after he scored the decisive goal in the previous home game. And with the probable absence of Jamie Ward, the Italian will be battling to be called up to the starting eleven, as will Craig Beattie.

Brian Howard who scored the decisive goal when the two sides met in December is eligible to play despite him picking up his tenth yellow card of the campaign. He will sit out United's battles with Burnley and Swansea as the ban doesn't come into place until a week after the card was issued.

Possible Blades line-up: Kenny, Naughton, Morgan, Kilgallon, Naysmith, Cotterill, O'Toole, Montgomery, Halford, Beattie, Henderson.

James Perch proved fit enough to feature in Nottingham Forest's 3:2 success over Bristol City. He was replaced in the 2nd half by Lewis McGugan who was also carrying a slight injury.

Guy Moussi featured against the Robins after recovering from a ankle injury. It must be noted that Billy Davies can only name five of his six current loanees for the game against the Blades.

Goalkeeper Iain Turner made two crucial mistakes in Saturday's match and both led to Bristol goals. Turner will probably keep his place despite double howlers.

Possible Forest line-up: Turner, Wilson, Morgan, Gunter, Lynch, Cohen, Anderson, Moussi, Perch, Blackstock, Earnshaw.