A defeat at Southend United all put an end to any chance of reaching the top six, a target which has been on boss Nigel Adkins agenda since taking over the job last summer. I have always been a firm believer in fighting until the bitter end, and whilst it is still mathematically possible for united to score enough points to tally a late play-off push, last Wednesday night defeat has made it all be impossible.
The Blades lay 12th in League One and 9 points behind sixth placed Bradford City. United will need to win their remaining seven games against; Walsall (h), Gillingham (h), Chesterfield (a), Shrewsbury Town (a), Barnsley (h), Coventry City (a) and lastly at home to Scunthorpe United to stand any chance of making the grade.
Southend reignited their quest for a Sky Bet League One play-off place by effectively ending Sheffield United's bid with a 3-1 victory at Roots Hall. Tyrone Barnett's close-range finish put the Shrimpers on the right track, at least until Dean Hammond equalised for the Blades with a bouncing header. Phil Brown's men took control after the break, though, with David Worrall scoring a fantastic solo goal before Jack Payne wrapped up all three points for the hosts with his finish on the stroke of full-time.
Blades boss Nigel Adkins could be boosted by the return of David Edgar to the side, after he missed the victory against Crewe and the defeat at Southend, whilst away on International duty with Canada. The Canadians lost their 2018 World Cup Qualifier at home to Mexico by three goals to nil, with Edgar featured as an unused substitute. United are expected to be without defender Alex Baptiste (hamstring) through injury, with either Chris Basham or Harrison McGahey retaining their place in the defensive back three.
Meanwhile Right Wing-Back John Brayford (calf) remains after picking up an injury in training prior to last Wednesday's fixture, though Forward Martyn Woolford (ankle) returned to the side at Roots Hall and was a used substitute.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Sheffield United 2 Walsall 1
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