Sheffield United were finally beaten last Saturday, after 16 league matches this season and a total of 24 competitive fixtures without defeat (penalty shoot-out defeats are marked as draws). But it was Mk Dons, whom ironically were the last team to beat United in a 90 minute match to end this great run of form, it came in the final minute of the match when a 'unlikely' penalty was awarded and Shaun Williams (90 minutes) despatched without care.
The Blades and the Boro met four times last season; ironically the first meetings in there history. They first met on Bonfire night at Broadhall Way with the home side winning 2-1, Mark Roberts (42) and Scott Laird (82) netted for the hosts whilst Ched Evans (69) scored for the Blades. At Bramall Lane on 28 April the pair could only muster a 2-2 draw after coming from behind in a tense game. Joel Byron (31) and Scott Laird (47) both fired the visitors into a two-goal lead. Changes were made with winger Ryan Flynn and Richard Cresswell (for Stephen Quinn and Chris Porter) entering the field and it paid dividends when the former Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke City striker (63) headed the Blades a life-line, Chris Day in the Stevenage goal made good saves to keep the Blades at bay but there net was penetrated when Matt Lowton's (85) far-post volley flew into the net; 2-2. Despite further chances United couldn't find a winner.
They also met in the end of season Play-Offs and after a 0-0 draw at Broadhall Way the two teams headed back to Sheffield were the winner would face either Milton Keynes Dons or Huddersfield Town who's tie had yet to be decided. It was a game which was mostly dominated by United with the opposition having too few chances, but the opposition did test keeper Steve Simonsen before the Blades struck the decisive blow. The game looked to be heading into extra-time and possible penalties when a well worked move was eventually crossed into the box was met by the head of Chris Porter (85) who headed home past a deluded Chris Day in the Boro goal. It would be United who headed for Wembley.
Blades boss Danny Wilson is expected to be without striker Dave Kiston (hamstring) due to injury, whilst defenders Matt Hill and Tony McMahon are both doubtful and could be replaced by Marcus Williams and Darryl Westlake respectively.
He told BBC Radio Sheffield; "The squad is very thin on the ground so we'll just have to make the best of what we've got. We need to score more goals, I think that's quite easy for everyone to see. We've become a bit too predictable in certain areas so we're working on changing that. They're coming off the back of a very strong season. I think they caught a lot of people by surprise. I think they're a bit more subtle than they perhaps were before and they've had some excellent results this year."
Stevenage were beaten 4-1 at home to Preston North End last Saturday and forged part of a poor run having won just once in four matches and collected three defeats, including being dumped out of the FA Cup to Rotherham United. Greg Tansley (15) scored what turned out to be a consolation as the LIlywhites banged home four with goals from; Stuart Beavon (6), Jack King (32), Jeffrey Monakana (58) and Nicky Wroe (72) but still remain third in the league.
Midfielder Anthony Grant (knee) is doubtful for Stevenage, meanwhile striker Robin Shroot continues to be overlooked because of a disagreement over a new contract as the Boro head to Bramall Lane this weekend with a fairly strong side at there disposal.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Sheffield United 1-0 Stevenage