Sheffield United vs Reading. Sky Bet Championship.
Bramall LaneAttendance26,265.
Friday 20 October 2017 16:13, UK
Sheffield United will be without defender Kieron Freeman for their home game against Reading.
Freeman left the field on a stretcher in last week's home win against Ipswich with a dislocated knee-cap and is expected to be sidelined for up to eight weeks.
George Baldock could return to contention, but remains doubtful after missing out last week with a calf strain, while fellow defender Richard Stearman is edging closer to a return following a hamstring injury sustained in August. Attacking midfielder David Brooks, who signed a new four-year contract with the Blades this week, is pushing for a recall to the starting line-up.
Reading could have striker Yann Kermorgant available for a first appearance of the season following hip and groin surgery during the summer. Captain Paul McShane and midfielder John Swift are also in contention after recovering from respective hamstring injuries.
Midfielder Stephen Quinn and forward Joseph Mendes continue their rehabilitation following knee problems along with winger Callum Harriott (hamstring). Defender Jordan Obita has been ruled out for the season after major surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament.
The Blades have won four of their last five league matches against Reading (D1).
The Royals won their most recent meeting with Sheffield United, a 4-0 hammering in the FA Cup in January 2013.
The Blades have won 11 of their last 12 league games at Bramall Lane (L1), keeping eight clean sheets in the process.
Reading have picked up just one win in their last six league games (D2 L3), however that came last time out against Leeds United.
Sheffield United have picked up 24 points after their opening 12 league games - their best start at this stage since 2005-06 (30 points) - the season in which they were promoted to the Premier League.
Blades' midfielder Paul Coutts has made more successful passes than any other Championship player this season (661).
Will that win at Leeds last week kick-start Reading's season? We'll have to wait and see but Jaap Stam will be hoping to use that result to galvanise his side.
Sheffield United are a real challenge for them, though, and Chris Wilder will more than fancy his side's chances of getting a good victory here. And I think they will.
Prutton predicts: 2-0 (15/2 with Sky Bet)
