United v. Blades - Match Preview

Bring on the Blades!
By Chris O'Brien
April 17 2007

Manchester United will look to open up a six-point lead at the top of the Premiership as they entertain Sheffield United on Tuesday. However, the Red Devils are facing a selection crisis ahead of the game with Rio Ferdinand and John O'Shea both major doubts.

Manchester United will look to open up a six-point lead at the top of the Premiership table as they entertain Neil Warnock's Sheffield United on Tuesday.

With Chelsea playing on Wednesday against West Ham, United could pile the pressure on their title rivals with a crucial three points against the relegation-threatened Blades.

Sir Alex Ferguson is sweating on the fitness of defender Rio Ferdinand for the game; with United boosted by the news that the England star did not suffer any major damage to the groin problem he picked up during Saturday's semi-final clash. Another doubt is Irishman John O'Shea who was absent on the weekend with a calf problem. Both players have been included in the match-day squad; but are not expected to start the game.

Ferdinand and O'Shea's problems add to a growing number of injury concerns for United. Gary Neville, Nemanja Vidic and Mikael Silvestre are all in the treatment room for Tuesday's game giving Ferguson a selection headache ahead of kick-off.

Craig Cathcart sat out of Monday's Youth Cup Final ahead of kick-off and could make his first-team debut in defence. The Northern Irish centre-half could partner Wesley Brown at the heart of United's defence; whilst Gabriel Heinze and Patrice Evra occupy the left and right-back positions respectively. United's only other feasible option is to pick Darren Fletcher as a stand-in right-back and move Heinze into the middle.

Ji-Sung Park is also unavailable for United giving Ferguson a few problems in midfield. Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick will occupy the central positions, meaning Fergie needs to choose between Ryan Giggs, Kieran Richardson and Cristiano Ronaldo for his flanks. With Louis Saha injured, Giggs or Ronaldo are also potential partners for Wayne Rooney up front, though Alan Smith has done well when called upon in recent weeks.

Sheffield United currently sit 17th in the Premiership table - two points ahead of the drop-zone with this game in hand. The bookies see United as massive under-dogs for this one, and United will be anxious to put the Yorkshiremen to the sword and continue their charge towards the Premiership title.