Sheff Utd v Portsmouth preview

admin

Neill Collins could return to Sheffield United’s starting line-up.

The centre-half was an unused substitute in the midweek win over Walsall at Bramall Lane following his recovery from an infected toe, as manager Danny Wilson kept faith with Matt Hill and Harry Maguire at the heart of defence, but the Scot is pressing for a recall.

Wilson has no new injury or suspension problems and will select his side from an unchanged squad.

George Long will continue in goal in the continued absence of Mark Howard (thigh) after another impressive display on Tuesday night, while strikers John Cofie, Shaun Miller and Chris Porter, plus veteran Richard Cresswell, all provide Wilson with alternative attacking options.

The Blades will be looking to stretch their unbeaten start to the season to 15 league matches.

Portsmouth manager Michael Appleton hopes the potent strike partnership of Izale McLeod and on-loan Wes Thomas return to the goal trail.

The pair had a rare off-night in Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat at promotion hopefuls Stevenage but will get the nod against the Blades.

Left-back Carl Dickinson is expected to retain his place after making his second debut for Pompey in Tuesday’s loss after arriving on loan from Watford. Adam Webster is back in contention after missing the Stevenage clash after being called up to the England Under-18 squad to face Italy on Wednesday.

Appleton is unable to call upon teenager Jordan Obita, with the on-loan forward having been recalled by Reading this week after two months at Fratton Park. And Darel Russell is still struggling with the hamstring injury that has forced him to miss Pompey’s last six matches.

Appleton is weighing up sending out fringe players on loan in a bid to increase his squad options. As it stands, Pompey are at the maximum 20-player limit imposed on them by the Football League for being in administration.