The Blades are not in the best of form, having aquired two wins and two draws from their last 6 games in all competitions, with an identical record involving league results only, United will be looking to establish a good form guide soon as the New Year dawns ever so closer.
Sheffield United had to settle for a 2-2 draw at home to a resilient Southend United. A first-half flurry from Ryan Leonard and Jack Payne gave Southend the lead, before Jose Baxter's second goal in three league games and Neill Collins' prodded effort drew the Blades level. Southend took the lead in spectacular style in the 29th minute. David Worrall's corner deflected to Leonard, who fired into the top-right of the goal from 35 yards.
Southend doubled their lead three minutes later through Payne, with the midfielder striking home from the edge of the box, before Baxter pulled one back for the Blades shortly after (32). United pulled level on the stroke of half time, with Collins on hand to poke home inside the area from Baxter's cross (46).
United pushed for a winner in the second-half, with Billy Sharp squandering a one-on-one after being played through by Che Adams inside the area. Baxter, Chris Basham and Adams all glanced the post late on, however the Shrimpers held on to pick up a point.
Sheffield United boss Nigel Adkins could name an unchanged starting XI as his side chase a first league win in four matches. Adkins has no new injury or suspension issues and is keen to maintain continuity, while defender Chris Basham, midfielder Paul Coutts and forward Che Adams all overcame knocks in time to start in last week's home draw against Southend.
Louis Reed missed out with a foot problem and will be monitored, while fellow midfielder James Wallace made his first league appearance since August off the bench and will be keen to play a bigger role. Adkins must decide whether to recall Mark Howard in goal or retain George Long, who has kept two clean sheets in the Blades' last three matches.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Walsall 1 Sheffield United 2
