ADVER Sport's guide to Town's play-off rivals: Sheffield United.

The Chalkboard

NIGEL Clough has stuck with the 4-2-3-1 which has served him so well since Christmas and the one that undid Town in January.

However the Blades boss has struggled to keep a consistent back four, with United’s players suffering a rolling rota of injury issues. 

Only fan-favourite John Brayford has played consistenly, moving between centre-back and right-back.
The back line are supported by two spoiling midfielder who will aim to break Town’s play in the final third.

As was the case in the meeting at Bramall Lane, United will be dangerous on the counter-attack and in Jamie Murphy have a man capable of punishing mistakes.

Whoever joins Murphy in the attacking trio behind the striker will provide pace and skill, with the recently returned Jamal Campbell-Ryce adding to Clough’s options.

Likely Line-up

Swindon Advertiser:

A Man In Form: Jamie Murphy

Swindon Advertiser:

JAMIE Murphy is not so much a man in form as man of consistency.

Murphy downed Town in Janury with a brace has been been Nigel Clough’s most reliable player this season. He is the Blades’ top starter with 41 and made a further two appearances from the bench.

It was in one of those substitute appearances that he caused Swindon so many problems. Replacing Michael Higdon, who was in yellow card jeopardy, the 25-year-old Scot finished off two lethal counter attacks to spoil Town’s journey north.

The attacking midfielder has 12 goals this season, good enough to be Blades’ second top-scorer.
Murphy obviously has a good eye for goal, but his movement and intelligence are what makes him a threat.

He may well be a known quantity to Swindon, but it does not mean they can stop him.

The Treatment Room

THE Bramall Lane physio room has been a bit of a war zone of late. 

While most of those who have been in are now available for selection, many are not yet at full fitness.

Terry Kennedy, the bullying centre-half, who shackled Town’s attack in January, however is almost certain to miss out. He has a long-standing knee issue and limped out of last month’s draw with Bradford.

Former Town man Jay McEveley is likely to start, but has been struggling with a shoulder problem for a while.

Another man rated around 80 per cent, but again likely to play tonight is Chris Basham. Though were he to be absent it would see a rejig of defence and midfield as boss Nigel Clough likes to utilise his squad’s versatility.

January signing Matt Done, ankle, and Blackpool loanee Steven Davies, foot, are also carrying niggles.
Finally stopper Mark Howard is playing through the pain with a back problem.

Form Guide

Sat, Apr 11
Skybet League 1
2-2 Draw v 
Oldham (A)

Tue, Apr 14
Skybet League 1
1-0 Defeat v 
Yeovil (A)

Sat, Apr 18
Skybet League 1
1-1 Draw v 
Bradford (H)

Sat, Apr 25 
Skybet League 1
1-1 Draw v 
Leyton Orient (A)

Sun, May 3
Skybet League 1
1-1 Draw v 
Chesterfield (H)

Goalscorers

Marc McNulty: 13
Jose Baxter: 12
Jamie Murphy: 12

Discipline

Chris Basham: 9Y, 1R
Jose Baxter: 4Y, 1R
Bob Harris: 7Y

The Stat

Town’s record against the Blades in cup competitions, is impressive no defeats, one draw and three wins.