The Blades come into the back of this fixture sixth in the table despite drawing 1-1 at struggling Oldham Athletic. Once again United spurred chances to win the game in what was new Latics boss, David Dunn's 6th game in change and has yet to seal a victory.
Sheffield United had to settle for a point as they drew 1-1 at 10-man Oldham. The Blades carved out several second-half chances, but they were badly let down by their finishing. Oldham went in front on 10 minutes when a Mike Jones corner flicked off United's Jose Baxter, giving Danny Philliskirk the chance to convert a close-range header at the back post. Carl Winchester almost doubled the lead, but United equalised on the half-hour when Stefan Scougall set up Matt Done for an excellent 18-yard shot into the top corner.
Visiting keeper Mark Howard was forced into two smart saves after being tested by Dominic Poleon but the Blades' threat increased after half-time and Done wasted a golden chance when he fired wide after running clean through. The home side went down to 10 men in the 62nd minute, with Jonathan Burn receiving his second yellow card for a foul on Billy Sharp. Sharp then missed a sitter from inside the six-yard box before Scougall hit the post when he should have scored.
Blades boss Nigel Adkins has the unfortunate headache of a long list of injuries. He is expected to name a side without eight first team players who are currently side-lined through injury. The former Southampton boss will be without defenders; John Brayford (knee), Captain Jay McEverley (broken toe) Bob Harris (pelvis), Craig Alcock (hip and ribs), David Edgar (hamstring) and Terry Kennedy (knee) and midfielders; Ryan Flynn (groin) and fellow midfielder James Wallace (thigh).
Blades-Mad Prediction: Sheffield United 2 Fleetwood Town 0
