Match Preview: Sheffield United vs. Doncaster Rovers

Posted Sunday, January 02, 2011 by Sheffieldunited-mad.co.uk

Sheffield United entertain Doncaster Rovers at Bramall Lane for their first home match of the New Year.

An earlier appearance against Rovers proved to be a good medicine for those unfortunate to suffer from the sleepless condition of insomnia.

For the first time the Blades had been selected by the BBC to be shown live when they travelled to the Keepmoat Stadium and disappointed viewers, along with the United faithful who witness a 2-0 defeat.

Rovers played strong flowing football as James Coppinger (33 minutes) and former Blade Billy Sharp (42) took advantage of woeful defending to win the South Yorkshire Derby with ease.

United go into this Championship tie without a number of key players; Captain Chris Morgan (knee) has been sidelined for the remainder of the season through injury, whilst; Andy Taylor (leg), Ryan France (back) and Darius Henderson (hamstring) are also unavailable.

They are also expected to be without midfielder Stephen Quinn who serves the second of a three match ban after being sent off during the 4-2 defeat at Norwich City. He will also miss next weeks FA Cup tie with Aston Villa.

However the Blades are boosted by the return of duo Kyle Bartley and Nick Montgomery; the pair both picked up their fifth booking of the campaign and missed the trip to Burnley through suspension.