PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS FIXTURE HAS NOW BEEN POSTPONED AND WILL TAKE PLACE ON WEDNESDAY, 9TH MARCH 2011 WITH A 7:00PM KICK-OFF!
The Blades have won their last four reserve team outings, winning 4-0 a fortnight ago at home to Bradford City with on-loan Chelsea striker Danny Philliskirk netting a brace – Jean Calve and Harry Maguire also finding the net.
The change in results, which saw United, beat arch rivals Sheffield Wednesday 5-2 during that run has seen Mark Smith’s side second in the table and just one point behind leaders Rotherham United.
A win for United tonight would put much added pressure on leaders Rotherham United who were beaten last week 7-0 against Barnsley at the Don Valley Stadium – a point or more would be enough to lift the Red and White Wizards into top spot.
Philliskirk is likely to start again for the Blades, as will Jordan Slew who returns to the side after missing the win over the Bantams having been on international duty – representing the England U-19’s.
However, the first team were in action at Scunthorpe United last night and if Slew featured at Glanford Park then he may not be introduced against Vale at Sheffield FC tonight.
George Long is likely to start in goal unless Richard Wright and Mihkel Aksalu have recovered from their injuries, while Jean Calvé, David McAllister and Matt Lowton may also be included.
Third placed Port Vale were the better off side in a 4-3 victory over Nottingham Forest a few weeks ago; Kayeden Brown smashed home a hat-trick (which included two penalties) and a single from Joe Davis to finish off a youthful Reds side.
Vale are expected to feature a fairly youthful side against the Blades.