Three weeks ago Bristol City travelled to Bramall Lane seeking a win to enhance their playoff push, only for a James Beattie double and a Liam Fontaine own goal to really dampen the mood in a 3-0 loss which couldn't be argued as an unfair result.
This evening, the return leg is at Ashton Gate, with Bristol City having secured 7 points out of 9 in a two week spell that has seen the Reds bounce back up the table into the final playoff spot, sixth place. Now, three weeks on just one point and one place separate the two sides.
Since the 3-0 drubbing, both sides have added to their forward lines, with Sheffield United signing Sunderland striker Anthony Stokes on a three month loan and Bristol City striking a similar deal to sign Stern John, Trinidad and Tobago's all time top scorer from fellow Championship side Southampton.
Team News - Sheffield United
Former Premier League stars Gary Speed and Gary Naysmith are rated as 50/50 because of injury, but target man Darius Henderson is out through injury and centre back Matt Kilgallon is suspended. Manager Kevin Blackwell doesn't appear to be too worried though, saying "We have a squad of very good players so when someone drops out it is nice to be able to bring someone else of equal quality in who can do a good job."
These injuries and suspensions means the team could look like this:
Paddy Kenny will be between the posts, and will hope for the lack of action he had at Bramall Lane three weeks ago.
In defence, Kyle Naughton the you right full back will be given the task of keeping out Michael McIndoe, who scored in this fixture last year. If Gary Naysmith is fit, he will start at left back alongside centre halves Ugo Ehiogu and Chris Morgan.
In midfield, the wingers will be Danny Webber and former Bristol City player David Cotterill. It will be interesting to see what reaction the Welsh international gets, as his transfer did bring the club £2 million pounds when he left for Wigan Athletic. However, following the East End abuse Leroy Lita had against Norwich, I think Cotterill will be facing some boo-boys. In centre midfield Gary Speed will be replaced by Brian Howard, Barnsley's FA Cup hero at Anfield last year should he be ruled out through injury, and playing alongside one of them will be the all action Stephen Quinn.
Up front Sheffield United will play former England international James Beattie alongside Billy Sharp, a potent strike force with a combined transfer fee of £6.25 million pounds. Set pieces are going to be crucial as all 3 goals at Bramall Lane were scored from free-kicks or corners.
Blackwell, is confident in his team's ability but is under no illusions. "They will be a different animal at Ashton Gate, where the fans are on top of you and their is a great atmosphere. When we beat them at Bramall Lane we caught them at their lowest ebb, and since then they have picked up points and are playing very well.
Bristol City Team News -
Bristol City Captain Louis Carey and full back Jamie McAllister are sidelined with toe injuries, so Andy Webster or Brian Wilson could deputise. Bradley Orr is back from suspension and is in contention for a starting place.
The side could look like this:
Adriano Basso will be in goal, after keeping 3 clean sheets in a row.
Bradley Orr and Brian Wilson could play right back and left back, with the centre half pairing of the dominant Jamie McCombe and the dexterous Liam Fontaine.
In midfield, Michael McIndoe and Gavin Williams will play left wing and right wing respectively, with Lee Johnson and the ever improving Marvin Elliott in the centre.
The strike partnership will be Dele Adebola alongside one of Lee Trundle, Nicky Maynard and Stern John.
Talking of the heavy defeat three weeks ago City boss Gary Johnson said, "Pride was hurt, in fact everything was hurt, but it is similar to when we lost 6-0 to Ipswich and then had the chance to put it right at Ashton Gate, where we beat them 2-0. Last season we didn't have any side beat us twice and this is the first chance this season to stop that happening."
Gary Johnson Quote of The Week -
"It's not just about revenge. We want the three points. Revenge has to be in your hearts, not your head."
Ross Verbals
This evening, the return leg is at Ashton Gate, with Bristol City having secured 7 points out of 9 in a two week spell that has seen the Reds bounce back up the table into the final playoff spot, sixth place. Now, three weeks on just one point and one place separate the two sides.
Since the 3-0 drubbing, both sides have added to their forward lines, with Sheffield United signing Sunderland striker Anthony Stokes on a three month loan and Bristol City striking a similar deal to sign Stern John, Trinidad and Tobago's all time top scorer from fellow Championship side Southampton.
Team News - Sheffield United
Former Premier League stars Gary Speed and Gary Naysmith are rated as 50/50 because of injury, but target man Darius Henderson is out through injury and centre back Matt Kilgallon is suspended. Manager Kevin Blackwell doesn't appear to be too worried though, saying "We have a squad of very good players so when someone drops out it is nice to be able to bring someone else of equal quality in who can do a good job."
These injuries and suspensions means the team could look like this:
Paddy Kenny will be between the posts, and will hope for the lack of action he had at Bramall Lane three weeks ago.
In defence, Kyle Naughton the you right full back will be given the task of keeping out Michael McIndoe, who scored in this fixture last year. If Gary Naysmith is fit, he will start at left back alongside centre halves Ugo Ehiogu and Chris Morgan.
In midfield, the wingers will be Danny Webber and former Bristol City player David Cotterill. It will be interesting to see what reaction the Welsh international gets, as his transfer did bring the club £2 million pounds when he left for Wigan Athletic. However, following the East End abuse Leroy Lita had against Norwich, I think Cotterill will be facing some boo-boys. In centre midfield Gary Speed will be replaced by Brian Howard, Barnsley's FA Cup hero at Anfield last year should he be ruled out through injury, and playing alongside one of them will be the all action Stephen Quinn.
Up front Sheffield United will play former England international James Beattie alongside Billy Sharp, a potent strike force with a combined transfer fee of £6.25 million pounds. Set pieces are going to be crucial as all 3 goals at Bramall Lane were scored from free-kicks or corners.
Blackwell, is confident in his team's ability but is under no illusions. "They will be a different animal at Ashton Gate, where the fans are on top of you and their is a great atmosphere. When we beat them at Bramall Lane we caught them at their lowest ebb, and since then they have picked up points and are playing very well.
Bristol City Team News -
Bristol City Captain Louis Carey and full back Jamie McAllister are sidelined with toe injuries, so Andy Webster or Brian Wilson could deputise. Bradley Orr is back from suspension and is in contention for a starting place.
The side could look like this:
Adriano Basso will be in goal, after keeping 3 clean sheets in a row.
Bradley Orr and Brian Wilson could play right back and left back, with the centre half pairing of the dominant Jamie McCombe and the dexterous Liam Fontaine.
In midfield, Michael McIndoe and Gavin Williams will play left wing and right wing respectively, with Lee Johnson and the ever improving Marvin Elliott in the centre.
The strike partnership will be Dele Adebola alongside one of Lee Trundle, Nicky Maynard and Stern John.
Talking of the heavy defeat three weeks ago City boss Gary Johnson said, "Pride was hurt, in fact everything was hurt, but it is similar to when we lost 6-0 to Ipswich and then had the chance to put it right at Ashton Gate, where we beat them 2-0. Last season we didn't have any side beat us twice and this is the first chance this season to stop that happening."
Gary Johnson Quote of The Week -
"It's not just about revenge. We want the three points. Revenge has to be in your hearts, not your head."
Ross Verbals
