Sheffield United currently lay just above the relegation zone following a 3-1 victory at home to Crewe Alexandra in Clough's first game in charge last Saturday. United stormed into a three goal lead with two goals from Harry Maguire (18 & 29 minutes) and one from Ryan Flynn (55), the Alex responded with a reply from substitute Max Clayton (77). That win has forged a mini run of three games unbeaten having previously beaten Port Vale (2-1) and drew at Peterborough United (0-0) but they have yet to win away from Bramall Lane since they won 1-0 at Tranmere Rovers on Good Friday.
New Blades boss Nigel Clough is likely to be without midfielders Jose Baxter (knock) and Callum McFadzean (ankle) through injury. However he could see the return for striker Shaun Miller to the starting line-up - following his recovery from Crucial Ligament damage he has appeared as a substitute in the clubs' last two outings. However new loan signing Aidy White (from Leeds United) could make his debut.
Blades boss Clough could field Stephen McGinn and Chris Porter to face their former clubs. McGinn, 24 joined the Shrews on loan from Watford between January and April 2013; he made his debut in a 0-0 draw with Scunthorpe United and later netted in their 2-1 home defeat to Sheffield United. He returned to Vicarage Road having made 12 (+6) appearances and scored twice.
Porter was sent to Town on loan from United on a month’s loan in February 2013, he scored on his debut - a 2-0 win at Tranmere Rovers in front of the Sky cameras. This was his own goal in the 4 (+1) appearances he made for the Shropshire side.
Shrewsbury Town currently lay 15th in the table - just three points ahead of Sheffield United, though the Shropshire club have not won a competitive fixture since they beat Gillingham by two goals to nil on 12 October. Since then they have suffered 1-0 defeats to Peterborough United and last weeks opponents Brentford whilst managing to scramble a 1-1 draw against Colchester United.
Shrews boss Graham Turner could field Danny Coyne and David McAlister to face their former club. Coyne, 40 was a registered keeper with Sheffield United between November 2012 and July 2013 has cover to George Long and the then injured Mark Howard but he left the club having failed to make any professional appearances.
McAllister, 24 was signed by Micky Adams in January 2011 from Irish outfit St Patrick's Athletic; he made his debut as a second half substitute for Lee Williamson during their 3-1 FA Cup defeat at home to Aston Villa. He played a further two league games that season - scoring against Bristol City in a 3-2 win as the Blades failed to survive their relegation battle. He spent time on loan at Shrewsbury before; in January 2013 he made a permanent move to the Shrews having made 18 (+12) appearances for the Bramall Lane club and scored twice.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Shrewsbury Town 0 Sheffield United 2