A victory last weekend at home to Port Vale has rejuvenated the possibility of reaching the top six. Billy Sharp's strike was enough to enforce a third straight 1-0 score-line and push the Blades into eighth - just four points away from the play-offs. A victory and on Tuesday night at home to league leaders Burton Albion could push Nigel Adkins side into the play-off zone.
A solitary goal from Billy Sharp gave Sheffield United a 1-0 win over Port Vale at Bramall Lane. Che Adams created United's first opening in the third minute but, after outpacing Vale's backline, he could not beat goalkeeper Chris Neal. Vale responded and, in the 11th minute, Anthony Grant had a low curling effort tipped wide by United keeper George Long.
Midway through the first half, Sharp converted a neat Dean Hammond through ball but he was adjudged to be offside. United had further chances as Hammond had a header cleared off the line and Sharp fired wide from close range. Sharp gave United the lead in the 50th minute, striking home a fierce half-volley from inside the area after a Hammond cross.
Moments later, Sharp could have doubled the Blades' lead but his shot from the edge of the area went narrowly wide. Vale struggled to create any clear-cut chances and it was United who looked the more likely as the ever-present Sharp struck over from the edge of the box.
Blades boss Nigel Adkins will be hoping to see defender Neill Collins return to the squad. He has been absent through an ankle injury since the 1-0 defeat at Bury on 16 February. The United chief played out an unfamiliar formation of 3-5-2 against port vale and he may stick with this at Rochdale with Billy Sharp joining Che Adams in Attack, former Dale striker Matt Done and midfielder Chris Basham will be looking for a start against their old club.
They will also be without on-loan Leicester City midfielder Dean Hammond after he picked up his tenth booking of the season and will miss the corresponding fixtures against Rochdale and at home to Burton Albion. Belgian national Florent Cuvelier could take his place.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Rochdale 0 Sheffield United 1
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