The Blades title challenge took a massive dent when they lost 6-1 at Barnsley a few weeks ago – midfielder David McAllister netted United’s only goal of the game in a match which saw guest keeper Roy Caroll (ex-Wigan Athletic and Manchester United) concede two as well as being sent off after just thirty minutes.
Mark Smith’s Blades was penned to face Port Vale Reserves last week but due to the Academy’s FA Youth Cup involvement which saw them progress to the semi-final’s the game was cancelled for a third time.
Australian keeper Lawrence Thomas is likely to start between sticks; he was an unused substitute at Watford last Saturday after joining on a free transfer from Bankstown City last Thursday.
Youngster Jordan Slew may be included to face Forest whilst first team players Elian Parrino, Mark Yeates and Jean Calvé may also be involved.
Expected Eleven: Thomas, Calvé, Parrino, Lokberg, Maguire, Yeates, James, McAllister, Tonne, Philliskirk, Slew.