Fifth Hosts Sixth As United Host Notts County

Sheffield United host Notts County on Friday (28th November) in a clash pitting the league`s fifth placed side against the club occupying sixth position.

Under the stewardship of manager Nigel Clough, United have enjoyed an acceptable November despite a busy schedule. The Blades have played three league fixtures as well as an FA Cup match, its subsequent replay and an Johnstone`s Paint Trophy encounter with Walsall. Clough`s side picked up four league points and remain in the FA Cup after defeating Crewe 2-0 in their replay.

United failed to score in their first league game of November against Barnsley, though grabbed the only goal to take all three points away at Doncaster a week later. Jamie Murphy scored a beautiful long-range strike in the second half to break the deadlock.

The honours were even last time out as the Blades hosted Oldham. Jonathan Forte gave the visitors the lead in the first half, only for Jamal Campbell-Ryce to give the Yorkshire side a share of the spoils in the second 45.

County have picked up three points with a solitary win in their last three games. The Magpies were also forced to replay their FA Cup tie with League Two`s Accrington Stanley, with a poor showing seeing the Nottinghamshire side exit the competition in the first round.

Garry Thompson scored the side`s only goal in their first match of the month at home to Walsall. The opener was provided by County`s Gary Jones, though he hit one past his own keeper, before a Tom Bradshaw penalty sealed the deal for the away side.

Thompson was on the scoresheet again as he hit the only goal of the match against Coventry City. The game also received press attention after Roy Carroll played his second game in 24 hours following on from his Northern Ireland international. With six goals, former Morecambe man Thompson is the club`s top scorer. The in-form striker is 10/3 (bet365) to hit again at any time against the Blades. Shaun Derry`s men then hosted strugglers Yeovil, looking to bounce back from their FA Cup disappointment. It was not to be despite the Magpies taking the lead half way through the second half thanks to a goal from Mike Petrasso. Jordan Clark grabbed a brace for the relegation candidates in the final ten minutes to earn them a much-needed victory after County`s Jones saw red.

Jones will be able to play in Friday`s clash of the play-off heavyweights, however, after seeing the decision overturned. Friday`s visitors will also be able to call upon winger Steven McLaughlin, who has had his loan deal extended by his parent club Nottingham Forest and Shaun Harrard, who will be a Magpies player until the end of the season. The 29-year-old former Northampton Town man has scored two in twelve matches and boylesports are offering 12/1 on him scoring the first goal of the match.

The Yeovil defeat has seen Sheffield United installed as the 4/5 (Coral, ladbrokes) favourites for Friday`s match-up. bet365 are offering 13/5 on the match ending a tie whilst a win for Notts County is available at 4/1 with a number of bookmakers.

Star striker Michael Higdon is a doubt for United after injuring his hamstring in training. The former NEC Nijmegen player has not been seen since his side`s Capital One Cup clash against the MK Dons. As a consequence, fellow forward Marc McNulty is the 7/4 (Betbright, betfair) favourite to grab a goal at any time against County on Friday. Zeli Ismail is sidelined for the Magpies. A knee injury picked up in his side`s game against Accrington Stanley will see the on-loan Wolves player out `for a few weeks` according to the Nottingham Post.

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26/11/2014     © Frixo 2026