A victory at local rivals Doncaster Rovers last weekend looked set to see the Blades march on up the table, and although not a convincing performance at the Keepmoat all that hard work was undone on Tuesday night with a defeat at Bury.
Sheffield United are still seeking their first win at home in 2016 prior to the visit of Port Vale tomorrow but this may prove to be a difficult fixture with the pair equal on points with 45 totalled up so far this season - only a better goal difference props the Blades over Vale.
Bury dented Sheffield United's play-off hopes as they claimed a 1-0 home win in League One. The Shakers were thumped 6-0 at Coventry on Saturday but Craig Jones struck in the 27th minute and the Bury defence was barely troubled as they went on to claim their first win in five, with the Blades being booed off by the travelling fans. Bury had conceded nine goals in their previous two games yet almost took the lead after 16 seconds as Chris Basham's last-ditch tackle prevented Jones getting a shot away.
Danny Mayor and Joe Riley then fired over from distance before the visitors replied with Dominic Calvert-Lewin heading over from a Jose Baxter free-kick. But Bury still broke the deadlock as Ryan Lowe laid off for Jones, who cut in from the right before hitting a fine left-footed strike into the top corner. United made a positive start to the second half as a Che Adams shot was cleared off the line by Riley.
But Bury got back on top with George Long pulling off fine saves to deny Mayor and Nathan Cameron. Yet the closest the visitors went to claiming a late equaliser was when John Brayford's header was blocked on the line by Peter Clarke.S
heffield United defender Neill Collins is hoping to return to contention after missing the midweek defeat at Bury due to an ankle injury. Collins has returned to full training and boss Nigel Adkins must decide whether to recall him to the starting line-up or stick with David Edgar and Chris Basham in central defence. Bob Harris has joined Fleetwood on loan until the end of the season.
Leading goalscorer Billy Sharp stepped off the bench at half-time on Tuesday night after shaking off a foot injury and could return to the starting line-up. Fellow striker Matt Done along with midfielders Martyn Woolford and Paul Coutts are also pushing for recalls as the Blades chase their third win in nine league matches.
They will also be without midfielder Jose Baxter whom has once again been suspended by the club!
Blades-Mad Prediction: Sheffield United 1 Port Vale 0
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