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Preview: Sheffield United v Scunthorpe United

Last updated : 14 September 2010 By Iron-Bru.net

Overview
It is all about the new management team, with Ian Baraclough stepping up from first-team coach to caretaker manager. Good performances and results in the next few games would ensure he is offered the position on a full-time basis. 

Iron team news
Jim McNulty (ankle) and Garry Thompson (groin) remain absent. Rob Jones limped off on Saturday with a knee problem and was unable to train on Monday. He has said he wants to be considered for selection, but Baraclough will wait until Tuesday to assess him

Blades team news
Gary Speed, the Blades manager, refused to give any information away on Monday. He is likely to name an unchanged side for the third successive game, which would mean captain Chris Morgan remains on the bench.

Blades in profile
Established: 1889
Nickname: Blades
Historical achievements:  The Blades enjoyed substantial success early in last century - having won the league in 1898 and FA Cup in 1898 they went on to lift the cup again in 1902, 1915 and 1925. They have never challenged greatly for honours since then, but reached the semi-finals of both the FA Cup and League Cup under Neil Warnock in 2003.
Manager: Gary Speed

Stats and figures
It seems a bit of a moot point to discuss form when Speed has only had three games as manager and this is Baraclough's first. Under Speed the Blades have won twice and lost once, putting them one point above the Iron. They crumbled at home to Queens Park Rangers, losing 3-0 in a result that cost Kevin Blackwell his job. Blades fans have not seen many goals this season, scoring three and conceding five: only three clubs have conceded less, a remarkable statistic considering that home loss to the R's.

Past meetings
The Iron completed the double over the Blades last season and have not lost to them since 1983. Last season's 1-0 win was the only time the Iron have tasted victory at Bramall Lane, having lost five times and drawn once.
Click here for our full record of meetings between the two sides

Ticketing & travel
Away suppporters are hosted in the South Stand, with entrance through turnstile gates nine and 10. A shuttle bus service is provided between Reading Central railway station and the stadium.
Official coaches cost £9 (£8 members) and leave Ashby Broadway (4.30pm), North Lincolnshire Museum (4.40), Baths (4.50) and Glanford Park (5.00). The match is pay on the gate, at £24.50 for adults, £17.50 for senior citizens/students and £9 for under 16s.

Referee
Neil Swarbrick (Lancashire)

Betting
Sheffield United 4/6 / Draw 5/3 / Scunthorpe United 4/1 (Paddy Power)