Sheffield United still remain six points behind the play-offs despite losing 1-0 at Millwall last weekend. Back to back wins over Crewe Alexandra and at Southend United next Wednesday (live on Sky) could prove to be a massive winner with supporters, whom aren't entirely convinced that this side will make the top 6.
Chris Taylor's early strike kept Millwall's promotion charge on course with a 1-0 victory over Sheffield United at the Den. The home side made a flying start. Steve Morison's low cross from the left flank evaded Jimmy Abdou but Taylor, who joined on loan from Blackburn this week for his second spell with the club, was there to finish powerfully from close range with barely 90 seconds on the clock.
The Lions were rarely troubled during the first half and, in truth, they should have gone further ahead. Both Lee Gregory and Morison got in behind Sheffield United's disjointed back three and spurned good chances with only George Long to beat.
Billy Sharp was the source of United's first opening with 65 minutes gone, finding himself unmarked in the Millwall box. His header, however, was straight at Jordan Archer in the Lions' goal. In a rare moment of second-half action, a devilish cross from Blades substitute Paul Coutts forced Archer to save low at his near post but the Lions held on.
Blades boss Nigel Adkins has somewhat of a defence crisis and may be forced to revert back to the more familiar 4-4-2 which he has trusted mostly since the beginning on the season. He has recently switched to a functional 3-5-2 formation, but he is without on-loan Middlesbrough defender Alex Baptiste (leg) and David Edgar, on loan from Birmingham City, is on International duty with Canada, most likely leaving Adkins with little choice.
Meanwhile Midfielder Martyn Woolford could be side-lined for longer than expected due to an ankle injury sustained at Rochdale three weeks ago.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Sheffield United 2 Crewe Alexandra 0
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