Sheffield United v Port Vale preview

Port Vale could have Louis Dodds available after a two-match absence, having overcome a heel injury and returned to training.

Adam Yates, Colin Daniel, Remie Streete, Chris Birchall, Michael Brown, JJ Hooper and Sam Kelly featured in a strong Vale development league game on Wednesday, with everyone coming through the 7-1 thrashing of Morecambe.

It gives Vale boss Rob Page, a former Blades player, almost a full squad to choose from, with the exception of defender Ryan Inniss. He could be back in training next week after making good progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury.

It would be a timely return to fitness from the Crystal Palace loanee with Richard Duffy, currently on nine yellow cards, a booking away from having to serve a two-match suspension.

Sheffield United defender Neill Collins is hoping to return to contention after missing the midweek defeat at Bury due to an ankle injury.

Collins has returned to full training and boss Nigel Adkins must decide whether to recall him to the starting line-up or stick with David Edgar and Chris Basham in central defence. Bob Harris has joined Fleetwood on loan until the end of the season.

Leading goalscorer Billy Sharp stepped off the bench at half-time on Tuesday night after shaking off a foot injury and could return to the starting line-up.

Fellow striker Matt Done along with midfielders Martyn Woolford and Paul Coutts are also pushing for recalls as the Blades chase their third win in nine league matches.