Sheffield United ended 2015 in fine form. Despite their Boxing Day clash at Wigan falling foul of the weather, they went the entire December unbeaten, drawing once and winning four matches - including the FA Cup victory over Oldham Athletic. They ended the year in style, beating Bradford City by three goals to one in the Yorkshire Derby.
Goals from Billy Sharp and David Edgar and an own goal from Stephen Darby earned Sheffield United a comfortable 3-1 victory at home to Yorkshire rivals Bradford. Sharp opened the scoring in the 11th minute, neatly turning his marker on the edge of the area before striking low into the bottom corner. Bradford looked for a way back into the game and, just before half-time, a well-placed George Evans free-kick was tipped wide by the sprawling George Long.
The unfortunate Darby could do little else other than poke the ball into his own net after a mazy run and fizzing cross by Paul Coutts after 56 minutes. Edgar added a third for United in the 63rd minute, heading in a Martyn Woolford cross from close range. After Long kept them at bay, Bradford's persistence finally paid off with Gary Liddle heading in a near-post corner with seven minutes remaining. However, it proved to be a mere consolation and United stretched their unbeaten run to five games.
Blades boss Nigel Adkins will assess the fitness of Matt Done before naming his XI prior to the visit of Peterborough. The striker limped off injured with 25 minutes played last Monday and was replaced by Conor Sammon who could be handed a starting role, having netted twice at London Road in a 3-1 victory earlier this season.
Adkins is also boosted by the return of Che Adams who has completed a three match ban following his red card against Oldham, whilst midfielder Jose Baxter, another scorer against the Posh this season, has seemingly been handed a lifeline and could be included in this match at Bramall Lane. Meanwhile winger Jamal Campbell-Ryce (hamstring) has shaken off the injury he sustained at Oakwell in late November and was a used substitute in the victory over the Bantams.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Sheffield United 2 Peterborough United 1
