Sheffield United welcome Nottingham Forest to Bramall Lane in a huge Friday Night Football clash in the Sky Bet Championship.
Victory would see Sheffield Utd climb to fifth until Saturday teatime, whereas Forest can leapfrog their hosts with a win and improve to sixth.
Team News
George Baldock and Conor Hourihane are doubts for Sheffield Utd after picking up knocks in last weekend’s loss at Millwall.
Ben Osborn (hamstring) is unlikely to be risked as he continues to rebuild his match fitness.
Enda Stevens (calf), Jack O’Connell, Chris Basham, Jayden Bogle (all knee), David McGoldrick (thigh) and Rhian Brewster (hamstring) remain absent.
Forest have no fresh injury concerns to report after last weekend’s win over Bristol City but Max Lowe is ineligible to face his parent club.
Brice Samba (suspension), Loic Mbe Soh (thigh) and Lewis Grabban (ankle) remain ruled out
Stat Attack
- Sheffield Utd have won just one of their last five meetings against Nottingham Forest (W1, D2, L2).
- Nottingham Forest are winless in their last seven visits to Bramall Lane in all competitions (D4, L3).
- Sheffield Utd have claimed just four points against Forest in three meetings played in March this century (W1, D1, L1), which all took place at Bramall Lane.
- Sheffield Utd haven’t conceded in their last seven home matches (W5, D2), with both draws finishing goalless.
- Forest have lost just one of four away matches in 2022 (W2, D1, L1), whilst managing to keep clean sheets in their three unbeaten away games during this run.
Prediction
Having gone on a nine-match unbeaten run, Sheffield Utd were due a slip-up which unfortunately came at Millwall last weekend yet there shouldn’t be much to provide concern because they were still competitive but just lacked the finishing touch.
If there was just one minor criticism, it would be that the Blades had played seven games in 22 days across February so fatigue likely played a small part, which should hopefully mean that they’re back on form after a six day rest.
Forest meanwhile might have one eye on Monday’s FA Cup clash but their form in 2022 has been strong with just one defeat, which was evident by a dominant win over Bristol City last weekend where they just looked incredibly comfortable and in control.
This match though is an important game in the play-off race which will add extra pressure for both teams on top of mixed head-to-head form, so a cagey battle wouldn’t be any surprise but if the hosts are again sluggish then Forest should edge this battle.
Prediction: Sheffield United 0-1 Nottingham Forest
Result: Sheffield United 1-1 Nottingham Forest