Read Adam Baker's big match preview, only on bcfc.co.uk .
OPPOSITION
Sheffield United suffered play-off final heartbreak against Burnley in May and probably by their own admission would have expected to start this term better. However, in the second half of the season they improved to move into a play-off position. Like City, United have been hit by injuries with skipper Chris Morgan sidelined. Other absentees include James Harper, Richard Cresswell, Glen Little and Jon Fortune. Kyle Bartley has joined recently from Arsenal on loan, and Nyron Nosworthy arrived during the January transfer window. However, Darius Henderson remains the big threat up front, having bagged a hat-trick against City in November's 3-2 win at Ashton Gate.
MANAGER
Kevin Blackwell was a goalkeeper in his playing days for various clubs, including Boston United, Scarborough, Torquay United and Plymouth Argyle. Much of his early coaching days were spent as a goalkeeping assistant for Neil Warnock, including at Huddersfield, Plymouth and Bury. Eventually in 1999 Blackwell followed Warnock to Sheffield United. In 2003 Blackwell moved to Leeds United to become Peter Reid's assistant - before taking over the manager's post full-time a year later when Reid was sacked. Although early results were poor, Blackwell led the Whites to the Championship play-off final in 2006. They lost out 3-0 to Watford and just two months into the new season his contract at Elland Road was terminated. Blackwell's next role came at his home town club Luton Town, who were already deep in financial crisis by the time of his arrival. Many players were sold to try to balance the books and when the club entered administration in late 2007 Blackwell was sacked soon after. Sheffield United then came calling for his services, as manager, when they sacked Bryan Robson in February 2008. Since then the Blades have finished ninth in 2007/08 and then tasted play-off final defeat in May.
FORM
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REFEREE
Darren Deadman from Cheshunt. Took charge of City last in the August 2008 draw with QPR at Ashton Gate. Saw Sheffield United beaten 2-1 by Leicester City in December. Has shown 65 yellow cards and five red cards in 24 games this term.
ODDS
Sheffield United are odds-on favourites with online partner bet365.com, priced at 10/11 on for the win. The draw is priced at 23/10, and an away victory can be found at 16/5.
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