Stoke City vs Sheffield United. Sky Bet Championship.
Bet365 StadiumAttendance26,665.
Friday 3 May 2019 15:41, UK
Stoke will check on the fitness of Tom Edwards ahead of Sunday's Sky Bet Championship clash with Sheffield United at the Bet365 Stadium.
Defender Edwards missed the 0-0 draw at Millwall last Saturday due to a hip problem. The match could see final Stoke appearances for veteran midfielders Charlie Adam and Darren Fletcher.
The Potters on Wednesday announced that the pair, plus goalkeeper Jakob Haugaard, will be leaving the club this summer when their contracts expire.
Second-placed Sheffield United, who were promoted to the Premier League last weekend, look to have a full squad available for the game. It appeared no injuries were sustained during the 2-0 win at Ipswich on Saturday, which saw Billy Sharp make his comeback having recovered from a hamstring issue.
That result all but sealed the Blades' promotion, and it was confirmed the following day after Leeds drew 1-1 with Aston Villa. Chris Wilder's men have a chance of claiming the title on Sunday, lying three points behind leaders Norwich - who finish their season at Villa - and with a goal difference that is superior to the Canaries' by two.
Stoke last hosted Sheffield United for a league match in November 2007, losing 0-1 under Tony Pulis.
Sheffield United have lost just one of their last 10 away league visits to Stoke (W3 D6 L1), a 0-2 defeat in March 2005.
Stoke have won their final league match in each of the last five campaigns, with each victory coming in the Premier League.
Stoke last hosted Sheffield United for a league match in November 2007, losing 0-1 under Tony Pulis.
Sheffield United have lost just one of their last 10 away league visits to Stoke (W3 D6 L1), a 0-2 defeat in March 2005.
Stoke have won their final league match in each of the last five campaigns, with each victory coming in the Premier League.
It looked like it was going to go to the wire for automatic promotion in the Sky Bet Championship, but Leeds' collapse allowed Sheffield United to seal it before the final day, which I must admit I didn't see coming! Boy have the Blades been celebrating since.
Chris Wilder is a driven individual, though, and he will want his team to win at Stoke and give themselves a chance of silverware. They are three points behind Norwich, with a better goal difference, so the title can still be won.
I fancy Sheffield United to turn up at Stoke and nick all three points, and Norwich have a difficult trip to Aston Villa. You don't know how many changes Dean Smith will make in that one with the play-offs coming up, but I have a feeling they could sneak the win and give the Blades the opportunity to claim the title.
David Prutton predicts: Sheffield United to win the Championship (7/2 with Sky Bet)
