Sunderland vs Sheffield United. Sky Bet Championship.
Stadium of LightAttendance29,579.
Friday 8 September 2017 19:12, UK
Sunderland's new signings Marc Wilson, Callum McManaman and Jonny Williams will all be involved at home to Sheffield United.
Winger Aiden McGeady is a doubt after suffering a hamstring problem on international duty with the Republic of Ireland. Manager Simon Grayson will make a late decision but should the 31-year-old not be ready McManaman or Williams could step in.
Forward Duncan Watmore is set for another outing with the under-23s next weekend before Grayson considers his return to the first team's match-day squad.
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder could hand deadline-day signing Clayton Donaldson his debut as fellow striker Leon Clarke sits out the final game of his three-match ban. Another new signing, Ben Heneghan, is expected to be included in the squad, while fellow defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, on loan from Tottenham, is pushing for his first start.
Striker Caolan Lavery is out for a month after fracturing a cheekbone and eye socket during the recent home win against Derby and midfielder Samir Carruthers (calf) is still out. Defender Richard Stearman (hamstring), goalkeeper Simon Moore (knee) and striker James Hanson (thigh) are all closing in on a return to full fitness.
Sunderland have won seven of their last eight home matches against Sheffield United (D1) in all competitions since a 1-0 defeat in the top-flight in March 1991.
The Blades haven't scored in any of their last five trips to Stadium of Light in all competitions. The last Sheffield United player to score there was Gareth Taylor in a 4-2 defeat in January 1998.
Sunderland haven't won a league match in September since 2012, enduring a run of three draws and nine defeats since a 1-0 home win over Wigan.
Sheffield United have failed to score in either of their away league games this season, having only failed to score in one of their previous 22 on the road in league competition.
Only Martyn Waghorn (3) has scored more away goals than Lewis Grabban (2) in the Championship this term.
Billy Sharp is the only Sheffield United player to score a goal in the Championship this season, netting four of their five in total (one own goal).
Sunderland started pretty well but have gone off the rails a little bit in their last couple of games and they were awful at Barnsley last time out. Simon Grayson has got a big job on his hands and he'll really be realising that now.
Sheffield United have lost both their away games so far, but Chris Wilder's side will be full of confidence and I think they'll have no fear whatsoever and could pull off something of a shock here.
Prutton predicts: 0-2 (14/1 with Sky Bet)
