The Blades climbed out of the relegation zone for the first time in over a month after a single goal from Conor Coady gifted United a one-nil victory at Gillingham last Wednesday night. The on-loan Liverpool midfielder was on target last Sunday, netting United's first of a 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup and whilst it was a memorable day three points in the league will prove more vital.
His strike at the Priestfield came four minutes from half-time, his low sweeping effort from the edge of the box flew past the keeper just seconds after Chris Porter had struck the crossbar. However the Gills players were incensed and believe play should have stopped to allow treatment after Ryan Innes was injured.
Prior to United's goal, which would prove to be the winner, Porter saw a goal chalked off for offside whilst Adam Barrett made good blocks to prevent Michael Doyle and Harry Maguire from scoring either side of the break. There were other chances too for United which failed to bulge the net, Billy Paynter saw his low shot saved by Stuart Nelson whilst at the other end Adebayo Akinfenwa headed over the bar following Nelson's goal-kick.
Blades boss Nigel Clough has no fresh injury concerns to be dealt with ahead of tomorrow's important League One clash, however he will have the services of Billy Paynter, Eliott Whitehouse and Callum McFadzean at his disposal - the trio missed Sunday's victory over Forest having already been cup-tied. Meanwhile forward Ben Davies could make his full debut following his loan signing from Derby County in midweek.
Defender Matt Hill to face his former team. He started his professional career with the Ashton Gate club, making his debut on 7 November 1998 in a 6-1 home defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers in a season which saw the Robins relegated. He remained a Bristol player until January 2005. During which, in April 2003 under manager Danny Wilson they lifted the Football League Trophy having beaten Carlisle United by two goals to nil in the final at the Millennium Stadium.
He left the club in 2005, joining Preston North End and having made 225 (+22) appearances and scored 6 goals. He has also appeared in the colours of; Wolverhampton Wanderers, Queens Park Rangers (loan), Barnsley and Blackpool before joining the Blades.
Bristol City lay one position better off than United, they are level on points (32) but have a marginal goal difference better than the Blades who also have three games in hand over their opponents. The Robins have the reputation has draw specialists this season having drawn league 14 games (won 6, lost 12), only Bradford City have equalled that tally. So, it came as no surprise when City drew 2-2 with Tranmere Rovers
Jason Koumas fired a superb 80th-minute equalizer as Tranmere twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw with fellow strugglers Bristol City. The midfielder connected sweetly with a right-footed shot from 20 yards and saw the ball fly into the top corner of the net. City went ahead with a fluke goal after 12 minutes. Sam Baldock controlled Marlon Pack's pass on the right touchline and saw his attempted cross elude goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams, the ball going in off the far post for the striker's 17th goal of the season.
But Tranmere had started well and were level seven minutes later when James Wallace crossed from the left and Jake Cassidy turned past Aden Flint to drive a fierce shot over goalkeeper Simon Moore from 10 yards. The hosts thought they had won it in the 78th minute when Baldock's chip from the right to the far post was headed home by left-back Derrick Williams for his first City goal. But the least Tranmere deserved was a point on the balance of play and the classy Koumas had the final say.
Bristol boss Steve Cotterill will be without midfielder Marvin Eliott (broken hand) who is injured, however Stephen Pearson and Liam Kelly are both close to returning from injury.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Sheffield United 2 Bristol City 0