The Blades were except from the first round stage last season having received a ‘bye’ but followed this up with a 4-1 victory at Nott’s County in Round 2 before being defeated 4-1 on penalties at Coventry City after a 1-1 draw.
This season’s league form hasn’t quite been up to scratch and registered just one league victory prior to last weekend’s fixture at the Lane against Milton Keynes Dons. They were victorious (2-1) against Nott’s County on the opening day of the season and were defeated by the Dons by a single goal five minutes from the final whitle - scored by Anthony Kay.
It is likley that Blades boss David Weir will (owing to competition rules) field a mixed side of first eleven and up and coming Academy players as well as the fringe players in mthe squad. This may give opportunties to Mark Howard, Jasper Johns, Stephen McGinn, Darryl Westlake, Callum McFadzean, Elliott Whitehouse and Jake Eyre to show there qualities.
However the former Everton coach will be without striker Shaun Miller (knee) who has returned to training but will require a further five weeks, whilst forward Febian Brandy will serve the first of a three match ban following his red card against the Dons last weekend. He will also miss the away games against Rotherham United and Carlisle United and be made available for selection at home to Preston on 21 September.
Blades boss David Weir is likely to field former Irom Marcus Williams to face his former club. He came through the youth ranks at Glanford Park - making his debut as a substitute in a 3-0 win over Yeovil Town in March 2004. He stayed with the Iron until July 2010; yo-yoing between Divisions League One and Championship during this period, moving to Reading on a free transfer after starting 179 (+17) games for the club without scoring a single goal.
Scunthorpe United were defeated at the first attempt last season in the Football League Trophy, they lost by two goals to one at home to Nott’s County. It was a terrible season all-round which ended in relegation to League Two. They have also had an awful start to the season and prior to last weekend’s fixture with league newcomers Newport County have registered just one victory this season – on the opening day at home to Mansfield Town (2-0).
They drew 1-1 with County at Glanford Park at the weekend. The Iron took the lead as early as the 2nd minute through Sam Winnall but were pegged back by Andrew Hughes (62) in the second half.
Iron boss Brian Laws has no former United players on his books, but fans will recall the name names of Deon Burton and Etienne Esajas who both turned out for Sheffield Wednesday during Laws reign at Hillsborough. Esajas netted during the Owls 3-2 defeat at Bramall Lane during the 2009/10 campaign. He is however without midfileder Michael Collins (knee) through injury
Blades-Mad Prediction: Scunthorpe United 0-2 Sheffield United