SUFC play SUFC in a game where both sides have had managerial departures in the last four weeks, but in very different circumstances. Kevin Blackwell's exit was well substantiated, but the Glanford Park outfit have recently had to lose their gaffer after a couple of approaches from League One side Southampton. The Saints pinpointed Nigel Adkins as their first choice for the managerial hotseat at St Mary's after Alan Pardew was relieved of his duties.
The Blades enter the game on the back of back-to-back victories against Preston North End and Derby County respectively. United fans have fond memories of Jean Calve's unbelievable strike at home against North End, and then Richard Cresswell sealed the points against the Rams at Pride Park in a 1:0 win, but a 5:0 scoreline wouldn't have flattered the Blades.
Gary Speed has made a more than decent start to his managerial career results wise, with one loss and two wins. Scunthorpe have proved to be a bogey team for United in recent seasons. The Iron did the double over the Blades last season, and we haven't beaten the Lincolnshire outfit since 1983.
The Blades boss made the tough decision to leave club captain Chris Morgan out of the starting line-up at Derby, and the skipper is most likely to remain on the bench for tonight's match. Ched Evans has come in for some flack for his slow start to the season, but he's expected to start. It's expected Speed will name the same 11 for the third game running.
Expected Blades line-up: Simonsen, Jordan, Nosworthy, Bartley, Calve, Britton, Montgomery, Ertl, Ward, Cresswell, Evans.
Big news is on former manager Adkins, he joined Southampton on Monday morning. Ian Baraclough will be in charge on a caretaker basis.
As far as Scunthorpe are concerned, left-back Jim McNulty has an ankle injury and is unlikely to be back in time, he missed Saturday's game. Centre-back Ron Jones came off with a leg injury, likely to miss the game. Niall Canavan or Michael Raynes will come in (Canavan came on at the weekend). Right-winger Garry Thompson is out for a while with a groin problem.
Blades academy product Jonathan Forte returns to Bramall Lane. He netted two goals against Crystal Palace at Glanford Park before the international break.
With thanks to Luke Thornhill from Iron Mad for providing us with the injury news for Scunthorpe.
Expected Iron line-up: Murphy, Byrne, Nolan, Canavan, Mirfin, O'Connor, Collins, J Wright, Togwell, Dagnall, Forte.