Since the Blades were relegated to League One in 2011, this will be the Shrews third visit to S2, having competed in League Two last season. On both occasions the Red and White Wizards came out victories with David McAllister's early strike being enough to record a 1-0 win on 18 August 2012 and on 18 February 2014, Ryan Flynn and Stefan Scougall were off the mark in a 2-0 victory.
In the league this season the Salop could be in danger of being at the wrong end of the table (again), they lay 20th in the table with 17 points and only goal difference separates them and our opponents next Saturday, Barnsley. Last Saturday tonight's opponents fell victim to another Wigan Athletic demolition, though they escaped from DW Stadium with a 1-0 defeat they will need to pick up points soon if they are to avoid the four relegation spots.
Alex Revell's first goal for Wigan sealed a third win in a row as they recorded a narrow 1-0 victory over Shrewsbury in Sky Bet League One. The on-loan Cardiff striker was in the right place at the right time to nod home Yanic Wildschut's cross to give the home side a win they just about deserved. After a dour opening half-hour, the game threatened to get exciting as half-time approached, as Will Grigg found Reece James at the far post, only for the wing-back to fluff his lines as the ball sailed wide.
Revell did significantly better nine minutes before the break, heading home from close range after good work from on-loan Middlesbrough man Wildschut. Wigan ought to have doubled their advantage moments later when Wildschut supplied Tim Chow, whose volley rolled just past the post. The visitors showed for the first time at the end of the half as Larnell Cole's shot was helped round the post by Jussi Jaaskelainen.
Wigan continued to dominate in the second period, Wildschut firing over and Donervon Daniels heading just wide. The longer the game went on, the more encouragement Shrewsbury were given that there might be an equaliser there for them, but Sulley Kaikai saw their best effort in the final quarter well-saved by Jaaskelainen as Wigan stretched their unbeaten league run to 11 games.
The Shrews will be without left full-back Mat Sadler who is suspended having picked up his fifth booking of the season in Lancashire at the weekend. Thery are also without Nathaniel Knight-Percival (knee) who may have to see a specialist and Ian Black (dead leg) remains doubtful.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Sheffield United 2 Shrewsbury Town 0
