Sheff Utd V Crawley Town at Bramall Lane : Match Preview

04 February 2013 16:31
Sheff Utd V Crawley Town - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


New Blades duo in line for start

Sheffield United's new signings Jonathan Forte and Barry Robson could be included in the starting line-up against Crawley.

Striker Forte has returned to the club on loan from Southampton and former Scotland international Robson has signed until the end of the season following his release from Major League Soccer side Vancouver Whitecaps.

Both players stepped off the substitutes' bench in Friday night's home defeat to Coventry as the Blades slipped to a third straight league defeat at Bramall Lane.

Manager Danny Wilson has no new injury or suspension problems, but Marcus Williams remains sidelined through illness and fellow defender Matt Hill will not return to contention until the weekend after being sidelined with a broken jaw.

Centre-half Neill Collins returned against Coventry wearing a protective mask following a triple fracture of his cheekbone and is set to continue as the Blades chase their first league win of the year.

Crawley boss Richie Barker will choose from an unchanged squad.

Barker has no new injury concerns and could stick with the side which drew 1-1 with Swindon on Saturday.

Defender Kyle McFadzean is not ready to return as he continues to build up his fitness following a virus and on-loan striker Jimmy Spencer's debut has been delayed by a knee injury.

Barker handed full debuts to defender Mustapha Dumbuya, midfielder Matt Sparrow and striker Jamie Proctor against the Robins and all three should keep their places.

Centre-half Connor Essam was on the bench at the weekend following his recent switch from Gillingham and will be pushing to make his debut at Bramall Lane.

Source: PA