THE OPPOSITION
On the day the Cheltenham Festival gets underway, Sheffield United are tracking the leading duo heading into the final furlong of the Sky Bet Championship promotion race. Chris Wilder's side found their stamina wanting at this stage 12 months ago, ending up finishing tenth, but look well placed to take this season's title challenge right down to the finishing post.
Saturday's 2-0 home win against Rotherham United made it seven straight league successes on home soil. You also need to go back to Boxing Day to find the last time that the Bramall Lane faithful saw their side concede in the Championship.
Billy Sharp has plenty of pedigree over course and distance in the Championship and has 22 goals to his name this term, double that of any of his teammates. At the other end of the pitch, only Middlesbrough have conceded fewer goals than The Blades this term.
The January addition of Scott Hogan on loan from Aston Villa means we could see a quartet of former Bees this evening, with Simon Moore, John Egan, and Jack O'Connell also currently stabled in South Yorkshire.
TEAM NEWS
Thomas Frank could have a number of selection decisions to make this evening after a costly victory at Middlesbrough on Saturday. Julian Jeanvier pulled out with a toe injury in the warm-up while Daniel Bentley was forced off late on. Luke Daniels, Patrik Gunnarsson, or Ellery Balcombe could replace Bentley, if he misses out, while Mads Bech Sorensen is on standby should Jeanvier fail to recover as well.
Lewis Macleod played an hour on his comeback for Brentford B on Sunday but is not ready for a place in the squad while Rico Henry is also out.
Top goalscorer Billy Sharp, Gary Madine and Kieran Dowell were all rested against Rotherham and could return as the Blades target second place tonight.
THE MANAGER
Chris Wilder is building up an impressive CV with four promotions to his name as a manager thus far. A defender during his playing-career, he made nearly 500 appearances for Sheffield United, Rotherham United, and Halifax Town amongst others over a 15-year period.
After retiring in 2001, he took over at Alfreton Town and won four trophies during his 27 weeks in charge. A six-year spell at Halifax Town followed before the club was wound up in 2008 and he moved to Oxford United, via Bury. Promotion through the Play-Offs came during his first full season and he followed that up with two top-half finishes back in League Two.
In January 2014, Wilder departed The Kassam Stadium for Northampton Town. After saving The Cobblers from relegation that season, he led them to the League Two title in May 2015, with a points tally of 99. Nigel Atkins' departure at Bramall Lane saw Wilder take over at his boyhood club in May 2016 and he proved to be an instant success as The Blades ran away with the League One title during his first season in charge before narrowly missing out on the Play-Offs last time round.
LAST-TIME AROUND
PRE-MATCH FEATURES
READ: BBC Sheffield's Andy Giddings analyses where the game will be decided
REF WATCH: Tony Harrington is tonight's match referee
TICKETS AND TRAVEL
Travel with The Bees tonight and help us take all three points. Tickets will be available from 6.30pm at the away ticket office (cash only).
PRICES
MATCH COVERAGE
Matchday Live will be brought to you from Bramall Lane tonight. Mark Burridge is your host, and he'll be joined by Mick Cabble and Ciaran Brett from 7.15pm.
Tonight's match will also be broadcast live on iFollow for both domestic and international supporters. For more information click here.
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