Predicted Sheffield United Lineup To Face Port Vale
The Blades are now unbeaten in 13 games, a run which appears to be taking them back up to the Championship. Away successes at Peterborough, Oxford, Swindon and Northampton have been achieved in that time and so their trip to Port Vale should hold no fears.
A win here means any failure from Bolton to secure 3 points would give Sheffield United the title; something they would love to achieve on Good Friday.
Expected Starting XI:
Manager: Chris Wilder
Formation: 5-3-2
GK – Simon Moore
4 years at Cardiff didn’t really bring enough game time but he’s undoubtedly the Blades’ no.1 and will line up again.
RWB – Kieron Freeman
Even for a wing-back, Freeman’s record of 5 assists and 9 goals is spectacular and is a major reason why the Blades are where they are. He will surely line up once more.
CB – Chris Basham
Like his ‘keeper, Basham is looking to make his 40th appearance of the season in this game and his experience will be vital to the cause at the back.
CB – Jack O’Connell
With 40 games and 4 goals under his belt, Sheffield United are thankful that O’Connell is another who has stayed fit and true to the cause this term.
CB – Jake Wright
In his first season with Sheffield United, but is proving to be quite a hit. Wright completes a familiar looking centre-back trio.
LWB – Danny Lafferty
The Ulsterman has 3 goals and 3 assists this season and so is clearly capable of this wing-back role.
RM – Paul Coutts
Another consistent performer for the away side, Coutts can line-up with the same midfield three as last time.
CM – John Fleck
Much was expected of Fleck when he emerged as an attacking force at Rangers. However, things haven’t quite gone to plan. He’s been very consistent this season though, and is one player who deserves his place in the Championship.
LM – Samir Carruthers
Rather newer to this midfield than the other two, he may be afforded the chance to impress on a day his team may win the league.
ST – Billy Sharp
With the league title at stake, it would be no surprise to see Wilder go for experience up front and that will include the skipper. 26 goals this season show that he retains all of his ability.
ST – Leon Clarke
Another player of the older brigade up front, Clarke may be drafted in to help Sharp, although his record this season isn’t the best for an out-and-out striker. Watch out for Jay O’Shea playing a part too.