Sheffield United v Bolton preview
Friday 29 December 2017 12:37, UK
Sheffield United will have John Fleck back from his ban for the Sky Bet Championship clash at home to Bolton.
The Blades midfielder has missed the last three games after being sent-off against Bristol City on December 8. David Brooks has been suffering with tonsillitis and will most likely be rested against the struggling Trotters.
Defender Kieron Freeman (knee) and striker Ched Evans (ankle) both remain sidelined, along with midfielder Paul Coutts who has broken his leg.
Bolton could be without defender Andrew Taylor. The left-back was forced off in the first half of Tuesday's 2-0 loss to Middlesbrough through injury and the quick turnaround, coupled with Monday's clash against Hull, means Antonee Robinson could be in line to start.
Adam Le Fondre has not been in Wanderers' last four matchday squads but is back in training following illness and will hope manager Phil Parkinson will at least include him on the bench. Bolton are yet to win away from home in the Championship this season.
Opta stats
Sheffield United are unbeaten in three home league matches against Bolton (W2 D1) since losing 2-1 in November 1999.
Bolton haven't kept a clean sheet at Bramall Lane in any of their last 12 visits there since a 1-0 win in March 1970 under manager Nat Lofthouse.
The Blades have scored at least once in each of their last eight home games; the joint-longest current run in the Championship (along with Sunderland).
Bolton are still looking for their first away victory in the league this term, with only Birmingham (3) taking fewer points on the road than them (5).
Leon Clarke has scored 14 league goals for the Blades this term, while his next will equal his most in a single season for the same club (15 for Bury in 2015/16 and Coventry in 2013/14).
48% of Bolton's goals in the Championship this season have come from set piece situations (11 of 23); a league-high proportion.
