Preview: Sheff U – Town
By Aston
April 3 2009
Town enter the final stage of the season, still in with a chance of the play-offs, but needing to overcome Sheffield United tomorrow.
The Blades have doubts over the fitness of Gary Naysmith, Jamie Ward and David Cotterill who have all been away on international duty, so may need a game off. They will certainly be without Billy Sharp, Sun Jihai and possibly Jon-Joe O'Toole, who has a knee injury.
Blades boss Kevin Blackwell: "They have the third best away record in the division and Jim Magilton will be adamant about wanting a good performance because he was a bit disappointed with some uneven displays before the break.
"I have been talking to a lot of people in the game and all of us are amazed that so many teams are doing better away than at home. Maybe it is because these days people get on the players' backs so much more quickly at home where the expectations are so high.
"It will be nice for our fans to see them again. Quinny went before I came but as regards Jon Stead, I just couldn't guarantee him regular first-team football but he's a top class pro and a good lad.
"There are absolutely no easy games in the Championship and I expect nothing other than that in every match because there is so much riding on every one.
"We are still aiming at the top two places and feel they are achievable. All the teams below Wolves and Birmingham have to try to do that and not just give it to them, and we will work our socks off."
Town will be without, David Wright, Giovani Dos Santos and Gareth McAuley. Meaning Alex Bruce, Jaime Peters and Dean Bowditch have all been recalled to the squad.
Town manager Jim Magilton: "We are going there to win the game and if the picture changes in our favour after that then wonderful. We have five more games after that.
"It would not matter if this was the first game of the season I would be saying the same and that won't change until the last ball is kicked.
"We are playing three teams that are above us and they will be massive games.
"There is no way we will be going into them thinking we can't win all six. Absolutely not - and if we win all six games then we have a chance.
"Regardless of what our position is I regard this as the most important game of our lives.
"We have a history with Sheffield United and we always enjoy those games. They have always been that sort of game where you always know what you are in for with regards to their crowd, their set-up with regards to Kevin Blackwell and how he sets his team up.
"He has a lot of history with Neil Warnock and a lot of experience, but he has now forged a reputation of his own.
"They have the bit between their teeth and so it is a game we should look forward to. If you look at our improvement then we are going into the game without any fear.
"Our away performances this year give us confidence to go there and know we have the opportunity to win a game of football."
Got a view on the news above? Leave it below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
