Preview: Stoke City vs. Sheffield United - prediction, team news, lineups

Meanwhile, the home side are down in 20th position, a consequence of going three games without success in the second tier.

Match preview

Ahead of a home double-header against Birmingham City and Queens Park Rangers, Paul Heckingbottom had no reason to feel that his Sheffield United would not continue to strengthen their position in first place in the table.

However, despite extending their unbeaten streak to 10 matches with a draw against the former, the Blades went down by a 1-0 scoreline to the latter on Tuesday evening.

Although the Hoops are one of the most improved sides in the division, defeats for Sheffield United at Bramall Lane are a rarity, and it has left the Yorkshire giants with much to ponder.

Despite remaining at the summit, just three points now cover the top four teams in the division, and Heckingbottom's side are under pressure to show more in the final third.

While they have 20 goals to their name from 12 matches, Sheffield United have not scored more than twice in a single fixture since August 30, a run stretching five games.

Meanwhile, Stoke are struggling to show improvements under Alex Neil, the former Sunderland boss overseeing just one win in six matches since his arrival.

The level of opposition should be taken into consideration with all but one of those fixtures being played against teams currently sitting in the top nine of the table.

Nevertheless, Stoke are now as low as 20th place, and even a comeback draw at Burnley on Wednesday night has proven enough to get many supporters back onside.

The Staffordshire outfit also head into this fixture with one of the worst home records in the division, a consequence of four successive games without success.

Stoke City Championship form:

D

L

W

D

L

D

Sheffield United Championship form:

W

W

W

W

D

L

Team News

Neil will consider handing a recall to Harry Clarke after the Arsenal loanee came off the substitutes' bench to score at Burnley in midweek.

However, Neil would be left with a decision to make over his position with Tarique Fosu-Henry doing enough to retain his spot at right wing-back.

D'Margio Wright-Phillips will feel that he deserves a chance in attack ahead of the likes of Dwight Gayle and Liam Delap, who are yet to score this season, while Jordan Thompson may be in a position to return in midfield after injury.

Meanwhile, Heckingbottom will likely be forced into at least three changes after George Baldock and Sander Berge both suffered injuries against QPR.

Reda Khadra appears in line to deputise at right wing-back, with Manchester City loanee James McAtee could slot into a creative role behind the front two.

Oliver McBurnie also misses out through suspension, leaving Rhian Brewster or Billy Sharp to come back into the attack.

Stoke City possible starting lineup:

Bursik; Wilmot, Jagielka, Fox; Fosu-Henry, Smallbone, Thompson, Baker, Clarke; Wright-Phillips, Campbell

Sheffield United possible starting lineup:

Foderingham; Basham, Egan, Norrington-Davies; Khedra, McAtee, Norwood, Doyle, Bogle; Brewster, Ndiaye

We say: Stoke City 1-2 Sheffield United

Having earned a credible draw at Turf Moor, Stoke will believe that they can get back to winning ways at the weekend. However, the visitors will also be motivated to get back on track, and we feel that the Blades will edge a competitive encounter at the bet365 Stadium.

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