Sheffield United are currently 20th in the League One table following a 1-1 draw at home to Oldham Athletic on Boxing Day. The point - salvaged by former Latics midfielder Jose Baxter was the Blades seventh game unbeaten under boss Nigel Clough. The Blades had to battle hard against a strong Athletic formation who had banked their own half with a 4-1-3-1 formation, the game was made more difficult when the opposition took the lead in the 6th minute; Jonson Clarke-Harris beating his marker to head home past Long.
United was forced into a change early on too when Aidy White was forced to leave the game injured - he was replaced by Jamie Murphy and Athletic looked to double their lead when Korey Smith's effort was parried away by Long only to be skillfully knocked home by scorer Clarke-Harris but United's blushes were saved by the linesman's flag waving for offside.
The scores went in as they are at the break, though the hosts had picked up momentum towards the end of the first half proceedings. But the second 45 minutes to follow was the 'Baxter Show' and he showed the travelling fans why they miss him dearly when nine minutes in the Blades won a free-kick 30 yards from goal, both he and Tony McMahon looked shaped to shoot but it was the Liverpudlian who stuck a powerful strike straight into the top corner and the kop was to be seen bouncing with excitement once more.
Chris Porter and Ryan Flynn both saw chances kicked off the line whilst at the other end Oldham again were denied a goal, this time for a foul in a scramble. Baxter came close at the death to sealing all three points but his arching effort beat the keeper but cannoned off the post; 1-1 it ended.
Sheffield United are expected to see Florent Cuvelier return to the substitutes bench ahead of this Sunday's clash, the Belgian midfielder has been absent recently through illness. whilst White - whose loan spell from Leeds United ends on New Year’s Day isn't expected to be fit, therefore Jamie Murphy will be pushing for a start.
Blades boss Nigel Clough could field two former Rovers in Sean McGinty and Jose Baxter to face there former club. McGinty spent time with Tranmere whilst on loan from Manchester United in March 2013, ironically he made his debut on Good Friday in the 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United (Tony McMahon with the goal) and played in further defeats (both 1-0) at Portsmouth and Doncaster Rovers before returning to Old Trafford. In July 2013 he joined the Blades after being released by the Red Devils.
Baxter was on loan to Tranmere (from Everton) from September 2011 to early January 2012. He scored on his debut in a 2-1 defeat at Preston North End and was later sent off at Scunthorpe. He left having made 15 appearances and scored three goals.
Tranmere Rovers jumped above the Blades on Boxing Day following their 1-0 victory over Shrewsbury Town which puts them one point better off than their Bramall Lane opponents. They had to wait until the edge of half-time until Andy Robinson netted the game’s only goal and earn Rovers a Christmas victory. Shrewsbury had, had most of the chances - Nicky Wroe firing wide and Dave Winfield failed to hit the target with his header.
Rovers looked toothless in attack until they took the lead, Danny Holme's capitalized after Tom Eaves lost the ball in the middle of the park and his cross was headed down by former Sheffield Wednesday and MK Dons striker Ryan Lowe into the path of Robinson whose 20 yard drive flew into the bottom corner. Tranmere stopper Owain Fon Williams was kept busy in the second half, keeping out Eaves shot who came close to levelling the scores and Joe Jacobson volleyed over from close range.
The visitors will see the return of on loan Barnsley defender Jim McNulty return from a ban but fellow defender Ian Goodsion (thigh) is still out injured.
Rovers boss Ronnie Moore is likely to pit Evan Horwood to face his former club. Horwood came through the United Academy and signed professional terms in July 2004 but during his time played just once as a substitute in a 2-0 defeat at Reading in the League Cup. He was handed his Football League debut by Stockport County whilst on loan and enjoyed further loan spells at; Scunthorpe United, York City, Chester City and Darlington before, in January 2008 he signed for Gretna on a free transfer.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Sheffield United 1 Tranmere Rovers 0