Sheffield United return to Roots Hall for the first time in 20 years, but will not be looking for an identical score-line which they succumbed to on their last visit. On 1st October 1996, under the management of the late Howard Kendall, United lost to Southend by three goals to two in front of a crowd of just under 4,000. In fact, the Blades have only ever won twice in the league at Southend, in the previous 7 visits. They won here on 28 April 1984 (1-0) and on 18 February 1995 (3-1).
The Blades remain in and around the middle of the League One table, along with Southend, with 55 points. At the time of writing, the Blades lay 11th in the table but this is prior to Easter Monday's fixture list where the table could look a little different. Having won at home to Crewe (see below) on Good Friday, the win has given the United side some encouragement in reaching the top six come May. However, they haven't won away from home since Che Adams' strike was enough to dispose Doncaster Rovers on 13th February.
Since then they have won at home to Port Vale (1-0), Oldham Athletic (3-0) and Crewe, as well as claiming a point at Fleetwood Town (2-2) in dramatic fashion. A win is needed tonight if they are to do, what seems to the supporters as impossible.
Sheffield United survived a Crewe fightback to win 3-2 after the visitors came back from 2-0 down to draw level at Bramall Lane. Che Adams, Ryan Flynn and Billy Sharp scored for the home side with David Fox and Harry Davis on target for Crewe. The hosts went close to scoring inside two minutes when Ben Garratt made a fine save from John Brayford's header. Sharp then hit a post with a curling effort.
United took the lead in the 18th minute when Flynn slipped the ball through to Adams inside the area and he beat Garratt with ease. Crewe started brightly in the second half with Jay McEveley forced to make a last-ditch tackle to thwart Brad Inman and George Long saving Charlie Kirk's shot. Flynn gave the home side a two-goal advantage with a hooked effort in the 61st minute. Seven minutes later Fox pulled a goal back with a long-range drive and Davis equalised on 83 minutes, sweeping the ball home from Callum Ainley's low cross. Sharp struck the winner with three minutes remaining, meeting Louis Reed's pinpoint cross with a close-range header.
Blades boss Nigel Adkins could be boosted by the return of David Edgar to the side, after he missed the victory against Crewe, 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 Midfielder Martyn Woolford could be side-lined for longer than expected due to an ankle injury sustained at Rochdale three weeks ago.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Southend United 1 Sheffield United 2
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