Fleetwood v Sheffield United: Wembley return edges into view for ambitious Blades

AFTER impressively striving to reach Wembley in the country’s two major domestic cup competitions in the past two seasons, Sheffield United’s quest to book a marquee date at the home of football can move a step closer this evening.
By Leon Wobschall
Published 10th Nov 2015, 06:30 BST
Nigel Adkins.Nigel Adkins.
Nigel Adkins.

The Blades are due in at the Highbury Stadium, no doubt mindful that they are four games away from a final appearance.

They bowed out of the competition at the last-eight stage at Walsall last year, having also been eliminated at this juncture in both 2012-13 and 2011-12, when they lost on penalties to Coventry City and Bradford City respectively.

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Despite recent history in the competition, bookmakers certainly fancy the Blades’ chances this year, with Nigel Adkins’ side rated as the 11-2 favourites for glory on April 3.

Adkins is likely to freshen up his side for tonight’s trip to the Fylde coast - and hand several among his support cast a chance to impress.

the Blades will assess the fitness of Che Adams (leg), Chris Basham (groin) and Paul Coutts (ankle), who are all doubts for tonight’s test after picking up knocks in the weekend FA Cup win over Worcester City.

Adkins said: “Obviously, the turnaround has got to be very quick to get them ready for Tuesday.

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“We didn’t consider nine players for the Worcester game, but we made sure they were training on Saturday in preparation for Tuesday’s game at Fleetwood as some of them will figure.”

David Edgar has reported for international duty with Canada, despite not having played for the Blades since injuring his hamstring at Port Vale last month.

The defender took part in a behind-closed-doors training session ahead of the weekend cup-tie, with Adkins keeping his fingers crossed that he returns to the UK in full fitness.

Adkins said: “I don’t want to be losing players ideally but it’s a great honour to represent your country. All being well, he’ll come through okay.”

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Meanwhile, the Blades have handed Newcastle United defender Jamie Cobain, who turns 19 today, a development squad trial.

Last six: Fleetwood LWLWLL; Sheffield United WDWLLW.

Referee: C Kavanagh (Manchester).

Last time: Fleetwood 1 Sheffield United 1; December 13, 2014; League One.

Related topics:BladesFleetwoodWembleyPaul Coutts