Sheffield United: Wilson will look to Blades to build on momentum of opening-day win

Six of the players who were on the bench for Sheffield United in their opening League One win over Shrewsbury last weekend helped the Blades’ youth side defeat their Sky Blues’ counterparts 3-1 yesterday.

Danny Philliskirk bagged a brace in the win, while Matthew Harriott, Jordan Chapell, Joe Ironside, Kyle McFadzean and George Long also featured.

All six are likely to fill the bench again for tonight’s game with United’s resources stretched to the limit.

James Beattie is again training with the Blades’ first team but a third spell at the club is a long way off.

United square up to a side who are something of an unknown quantity following relegation from the Championship last season. Coventry are in financial peril and there were rumours that tonight’s game at the Ricoh Arena would not go ahead, although those have been quashed by the club.

After collecting three points on the opening day, Wilson has only one thing in mind for his charges against Coventry.

“Tuesday is simply a case of keeping our momentum going, we still have a lot to improve on following the weekend,” he said.

“An away game in any division will be tough but we fully expect to be capable of getting a positive result at the Ricoh.

“Coventry will have the onus on them to attack us, but in the same manner we are going there for three points, not to sit back.

“They still have some excellent players like ourselves, many of them with Championship experience, but we don’t go there fearing what they might throw at us.”

Last six games: Coventry DLLLWD; Sheffield United DDWDDW.

Last time: Coventry 0 Sheffield United 0; January 15, 2011; Championship.

Referee: P Tierney (Lancashire).