Sheff Utd V Carlisle at Bramall Lane : Match Preview

31 March 2013 13:01
Sheff Utd V Carlisle - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Murphy in Blades frame

Sheffield United could be boosted by the return of striker Jamie Murphy for the home game with Carlisle.

Murphy lost his fitness battle and missed Friday's win at Tranmere due to a hamstring injury, but is expected to be back in contention.

The Blades bounced back from a heavy defeat at Stevenage with a professional display at promotion rivals Tranmere that keeps them in the hunt for a top-two finish and boss Danny Wilson is unlikely to make too many unforced changes, if any, against Carlisle.

Defender Danny Higginbotham and on-loan Leeds striker Dominic Poleon are pushing for recalls, while forward Chris Porter is hoping to make his first appearance since returning to the club from his loan spell at Shrewsbury.

The Blades, two points behind second-placed Bournemouth with two games in hand, could climb back into an automatic promotion spot with victory.

Carlisle are expected to be without injured winger Matty Robson at Sheffield United.

Robson suffered a recurrence of a back injury and last just nine minutes before being withdrawn from Friday's 2-2 home draw with Shrewsbury.

Dave Symington replaced Robson and is a likely candidate to start on the right wing, with Jon-Paul McGovern switching over to the left.

Manager Greg Abbott has confirmed goalkeeper Mark Gillespie, who had returned from a one-game ban in place of Adam Collin, will start at Bramall Lane despite his two errors which led to Shrewsbury's goals.

Striker Mathieu Manset is hoping to make his first start for the Cumbrians after appearing for the second time off the substitutes' bench against Shrewsbury.

Abbott must decide whether to stick with teenager Mark Beck up front alongside Lee Miller or hand Frenchman Manset a place in his starting XI.


Source: PA