United drew their first fixture at home to Leicester City (0-0), but the Foxes were awarded the extra point by winning the penalty shoot-out whereas tonight's opponents Walsall top Group G having recorded a 5-2 win over League Two Grimsby Town. Despite the Mariners taking the lead a hat-trick from Sierra Leone National Amadou Bakayoko was enough to secure victory.
In the league, the Blades recorded a 1-1 draw at Fleetwood Town last Saturday, moving the S2 club in 4th prior to the International break this coming weekend. They had initially been scheduled to face Walsall again at Bramall Lane but due to International call-ups, the Saddlers have postponed - leaving United both clubs without a fixture this Saturday.
Ethan Ebanks-Landell scored with virtually the last touch of the game to secure Sheffield United a 1-1 at Sky Bet League One draw at Fleetwood. Chris Wilder's side could have grabbed an early advantage as they bossed possession and opportunities, Paul Coutts going closest with a deflected effort which spun just wide of the post.
But it was Fleetwood who took the lead against the run of play. Chris Long, returning from injury, stole in from the left, taking advantage of some slack defending and his effort from a tight angle deflected into the path of David Ball, who stroked home from close range for his fifth goal of the season. Billy Sharp could easily have levelled shortly after but his 18-yard drive was tipped over by Chris Neal.
But Fleetwood came more into the game as the half went on, Ball coming close to doubling his tally, denied by Simon Moore after a fine through ball from Kyle Dempsey. The end-to-end action continued after the break, Ball once again involved as Fleetwood looked to stretch their lead, with Long denied by Simon Moore. Sharp then raced in behind the hosts, his pace almost rewarded, Neal's flailing legs denying John Fleck from inside the six-yard box.
The Blades looked for a long time like drawing level but it was Fleetwood and former United man Martyn Woolford who nearly had the last laugh. Sub Woolford's pace down the right unlocked the visitors, Ash Hunter's flicked header forcing a fingertip save from Moore. When all seemed lost for the visitors Chris Hussey was allowed space on the left, Ebanks-Landell thrown forward, rising through a crowd at the back post to power home.
Blades boss Chris Wilder will once again be without midfielder Chris Basham, who serves the last of a three match ban following his dismissal at Scunthorpe United on 24 September. He was absent from the fixtures against Bristol Rovers (1-0) and Fleetwood Town (1-1) and will be against Walsall (Checkatrade Trophy). He will be made available in the League One fixture at home to Port Vale on 15th October.
Defender James Wilson has missed out the last few fixtures to knocks and remain doubtful so boss Chris Wilder could recall Chris Hussey or hand a debut to new signing Reece Brown. Meanwhile Striker Leon Clarke will be out of action for a month after further scans revealed he had chipped a bone in his ankle.
Saddlers boss Joe Whitney looks set to field a fringe squad at Bramall Lane tonight. He told local newspaper the Express & Star; “I played a young team last time and I will have a look at making a few changes again,” Whitney said. “Joe Edwards is back from suspension so it’s a great game for him to come back into and get some minutes. That’s a real positive because with the international break – it would have been another two weeks until Joe got to play. This is a great opportunity to them. Bramall Lane is a great stadium to play football. And I’m sure my young players will rise to the challenge.”
Walsall, who are 16th in League One table following last Saturday's 2-1 home win against Millwall, will be without Reece Flanagan and Rory Oliver. Both remain long-term absentees.
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