United come into this fixture following a 2-0 victory at Bournemouth nine days ago – though the Blades were disappointed to leave Dean Court not having scored a single goal after dashes from Ched Evans resulted in two own goals through Adam Barrett (5 minutes) and Steve Cook (77).
The win brought a sixth straight victory for Sheffield United which saw them jump to third in the table after being the only side in the top six to win maximum points that weekend. This may well have all changed however with the majority of the League One clubs going head to head on Boxing Day (to-day).
The Bramall Lane club could hand a debut to striker James Beattie (calf) if he overcomes his injury but the Blades contingent will be without midfielder Lee Williamson who serves a one match ban after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season – David McAllister or Ryan Flynn could deputise.
Blades boss Danny Wilson could field Kevin McDonald to face his former club. He joined Meadow Lane on loan from Burnley in February 2011 until the end of the season – making his debut in a 2-0 home defeat to Nott’s County and went onto make 10 (+1) appearances for the club.
We’ve met before...
Sheffield United have quite an ‘impressible’ record against the Magpies, winning 56% of all matches whilst at Bramall Lane have won 24 out of 38 domestic fixtures played.
The last league outing between both clubs, on 27 August 1994 produced a 3-1 victory for County at Bramall Lane – our last home victory over tomorrow’s opponents came in 1984 (3-0).
Since then United and County have met competitively, but only once (well, twice – sort of!). In 1998-99 they were locked together in the FA Cup; United had beaten Cardiff City (4-1) in the previous round.
The pair drew 1-1 at the Lane – forcing a replay in Nottingham. At 90 minutes the scores were level at 3-3 and United added another to win the tie in extra-time; Marcelo had scored twice and Wayne Quinn had see two yellow cards shown against him.
The Blades, under the leadership of Steve Bruce were eventually eliminated by Arsenal in the ‘famous’ Overmars & Kanu incident.
|
venue |
p |
w |
d |
l |
gf |
ga |
|
Bramall Lane |
38 |
24 |
6 |
8 |
79 |
47 |
|
Meadow Lane |
37 |
18 |
5 |
14 |
65 |
60 |
|
Total |
75 |
42 |
11 |
22 |
144 |
107 |