West Bromwich Albion vs Sheffield United. Sky Bet Championship.
The HawthornsAttendance24,928.
Watch live from 5.15pm on Saturday, on Sky Sports Football or Main Event
Saturday 23 February 2019 16:30, UK
West Brom have Dwight Gayle back in contention for Saturday's clash at home to Championship title rivals Sheffield United, live on Sky Sports Football from 5.15pm.
The striker has served his two-match suspension after being punished by the Football Association for successful deception of a match official. He is expected to return to the starting line up, most likely replacing Jefferson Montero.
With one eye on the game against the Blades, who are just one point in front of fourth-placed West Brom, Baggies boss Darren Moore rested midfielders Gareth Barry and Rekeem Harper for Tuesday's 3-2 win at QPR. Both players, who came on as substitutes, are likely to start the match at The Hawthorns.
Chris Basham is available again after suspension for Sheffield United. The versatile 30-year-old has completed a two-match ban for 10 yellow cards and could be recalled to the starting line-up.
Defenders Jack O'Connell and George Baldock have been undergoing treatment for hamstring and calf injuries respectively, although Blades boss Chris Wilder is hopeful both will be included in his matchday squad. Top scorer Billy Sharp could also be brought back into the team after the 22-goal striker was rested last weekend, with Wilder's side winning 4-0 at home to Reading.
West Bromwich Albion are looking to complete a league double over Sheffield United for the first time since the 1998-99 season.
Sheffield United haven't beaten West Brom at the Hawthorns since October 2003, when they won 2-0 with goals from Michael Tonge and Ashley Ward.
West Bromwich Albion have kept fewer home clean sheets than any other Championship team this season (2).
Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp has scored with all eight of his headed shots on target in the Championship this season.
Jay Rodriguez has been involved in 14 goals in 16 Championship appearances at the Hawthorns this season for West Bromwich Albion (10 goals, 4 assists).
Sheffield United have lost just one of their last 11 Championship games (W7 D3).
That was a big, big win for West Brom at QPR in midweek. To nick it at the last minute and put themselves within just a few points of the leading pack was massive for them.
Sheffield United are in good form but this is a tough trip for them. A victory for the Baggies would well and truly turn this into a four-horse race for promotion, but I think the Blades could edge it.
David Prutton predicts: 2-3 (33/1 with Sky Bet)
