Their dream of reaching a FA Cup Final may have been ended a week ago in an entertaining 5-3 defeat to the hands of Hull City but the Blades remain slim outsiders to grab the last remaining play-off spot. In order to do so they must win at Prenton Park on Monday as well as the remaining fixtures against; Port Vale and Oldham Athletic away and Coventry City at Bramall Lane.
Three points earned on Good Friday in a 1-0 victory over relegation bound Stevenage narrowed the gap with Peterborough United to eight points with four games remaining with Port Vale and Swindon Town also looking to steal that elusive sixth spot.
Sheffield United kept their slim play-off hopes alive with a 1-0 victory over Stevenage after John Mousinho's early own goal proved to be decisive. The result leaves Stevenage rooted to the foot of the table, seven points from safety with three games to play. United's Jose Baxter tested Stevenage goalkeeper Chris Day early on with a low shot, which was well saved by Day down to his right.
The home side took a 10th-minute lead when Jamie Murphy's low, driven cross was turned into his own net by Mousinho. Stevenage threatened to equalise on a couple of occasions around the hour-mark. John Brayford's slip inside the area let in Luke Freeman, whose shot was well saved by Blades goalkeeper Mark Howard and from the resulting corner, Luke Jones' header was cleared off the goal line by Baxter.
Howard was also called into action soon afterwards, keeping out Francois Zoko's shot. Stevenage had a chance late on when Freeman fired straight at Howard from the edge of the area, but the Blades held on to extend their unbeaten league run to four matches.
United have no fresh injury concerns, although left full-back Bob Harris (leg) will be doubtful after hobbling off in the victory over Stevenage and fellow defender Matt Hill may take his place at Prenton Park tomorrow.
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 on a free transfer.
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 themselves aren't safe from relegation, only two points separate them and the bottom four, they were defeated by two goals to nil at Gillingham on Good Friday but recently picked up back-to-back wins against Colchester United and Shrewsbury Town (both 2-1).
On 9 April this year the Wirral club relieved manager Ronnie Moore of his duties with the club due to disciplinary reasons following the breaking news that the former Rotherham United boss had admitted an FA charge of misconduct in relation to football betting where it is alleged he betted on his team to win. "Moore has admitted an FA charge regarding multiple breaches of Rule E8 (b) for misconduct in relation to betting and requested a personal hearing." Football Operations Director and Club Secretary Mick Horton added: "Tranmere Rovers will not tolerate any action that damages the integrity of this Football Club.”Any staff members found to be guilty of misconduct will face severe action."
They are without Abdulai Bell-Baggie (knee) and Captain James Wallace (groin) through injury, but the returns of veteran midfielder Jason Koumas (toe) and former Sheffield Wednesday striker Ryan Lowe (dead leg) in the defeat to Gillingham has boosted their squad ahead of tomorrow's clash with the Blades. Meanwhile both Andy Robinson, 34 and Akpo Sodje have been released by the club.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Tranmere Rovers 1 Sheffield United 3