Sheffield United Preview

By Longsider
December 5 2003

Burnley take on Sheffield United in a quick return thanks to the Football League fixture list. The Blades won the first game in a scrappy affair and surely the game tomorrow will be of a higher standard than the one we saw just a few weeks ago.

Burnley play their return fixture against Sheffield United tomorrow hoping to build on their recent good form.

The side hasn't lost at the Turf since the middle of September when we were beaten by Forest. Although since then there have been more draws than Stan Ternent would have liked.

Sheffield United will be the toughest test so far, at Turf Moor, with them currently riding high in 3rd Spot. The Blades have won the last 4 encounters between the sides with the most recent coming just under a month ago when they won 1-0 thanks to a Michael Tonge goal. The game was a scrappy affair and but for a defensive mistake probably would have finished 0-0.


There have been no new injury worries this week ,which will have pleased Stan Ternent, and Arthur Gnohere is available after serving his one match suspension and will come into the side to replace David May who is serving his suspension after picking up 5 yellow cards this season. Apart from this straight swap i expect the side that started against Sunderland to start tomorrow's game.

We believe Graham Branch still hasn't recovered from his calf strain so the bench will probably short again.

The visitors have been searching for a new goalie this week after Paul Gerrard returned to Everton after his 3 month loan spell and number 1 keep Paddy Kenny is still out injured. This had left Neil Warnock with just one keeper, youngster Kristian Rogers, however Warnock has now solved the problem with the signings of Alan Fettis and Lee Baxter.

We believe he will start with Fettis in goal as Baxter may not have his international clearance through in time.

The Blades also have a suspension tomorrow with full back Robbie Kozluk missing the game. Robert Page and Ashley Ward are both close to returning to the team after missing recent games through injuries.

Predicted Burnley Side:

Jenson, West, Camara, McGregor, Gnohere, Little, Grant, Chaplow, Chadwick, Moore, Blake.

Subs: Roche, Weller, O'Neill, Pilkington.

The referee is Neale Barry(Lincolnshire)