The Blades have established themselves as something of score draw specialties this season, having recorded four 1-1 draws along with two victories in an unbeaten run of six matches. Last Saturday's draw with Bury was a typical example of United's inability to take advantage of dominating games but early quick-fire goals from Nick Blackman (10 minutes) who chest down and struck home on the volley from close range before Peter Sweeney (12) fired home a timed free-kick to draw level.
The last time this South Yorkshire Derby between United and Rovers took place was two seasons ago when the pair contested in the Championship. On 23 October 2010 - live on BBC the Blades fell to a 2-0 defeat in what was a 'unacceptable' performance by Gary Speed's side; James Coppinger (33) and Billy Sharp (42) both scored in this Keepmoat fixture.
United drew the return fixture at Braamll Lane on 3 January 2011 but despite a vital point they couldn't save themselves from relegation to League One. Rovers had been reduced to ten men when former Barnsley defender Denis Souza (58) was shown two yellow cards by referee Anthony Bates but with two strikes from Billy Sharp (66 & 74) the visitors had soon ran away with a lead.
They looked destined to run away with all three points but life had sprung into Micky Adams side and with four minutes remaining Daniel Bogdanovic (86) pulled one back for the hosts and eventually after battering the Rovers goal levelled through an unlikely source; Robert Kozluk (90+6) volleying home at the far post; 2-2.
Blades boss Danny Wilson will be without midfield duo Michael Doyle and Ryan Flynn following there dismissals in the 1-1 draw at Scunthorpe United ten days ago , the duo was forced to miss last weekend's fixture with Bury along with games against Doncaster Rovers (h) and at Yeovil Town (a) and will be made available again for selection at home to Nott's County. Darryl Westlake and Paul Gallagher (on loan from Leicester City) are likely to take there place.
Doncaster Rovers have made a decent to start to life in League One following relegation last season and have lost just twice in their campaign to date and have wormed there way into the Third Round of the League Cup after victories against Yorks City and Hull City. Last Saturday they climbed into ninth in the table after a 2-1 win at Colchester United. Former Blade David Cotterill (3) sprung them into an early lead until defender Magnus Okunoghae (30) scored, parity was restored on 48 minutes when Andrew Bond put through his own net to give the Rovers fans something to cheer about.
Rovers boss Dean Saunders hosts a fully fit squad and shouldn't face any new injury concerns ahead of tonight's fixture. He is likely to feature former Sheffield United and Wigan Athletic winger David Cotterill.
Cotterill joined the Blades initially on loan in February 2008 from Wigan Athletic - making his debut in a 0-0 draw with Scunthorpe United in what was Bryan Robson's last home game in charge of United. The Welsh international made a total of 43 (+19) appearances and found the net six times before making a move to the Liberty Stadium in November 2009.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Sheffield United 2-0 Doncaster Rovers
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