Sheffield United: Blades braced for bumper crowd for visit of Bolton

James Hanson of Sheffield Utd reacts to a missed chance against Scunthorpe. Pic: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

United originally gave Bolton both tiers of the Bramall Lane end, a total of 4,393 tickets, but slow sales prompted a change of heart from Blades officials.

The bottom tier will now be sold to Blades fans and Bolton will be backed by just over 2,200 supporters, meaning that last Saturday’s outstanding attendance of 27,980 against Scunthorpe could be eclipsed.

Dave McCarthy, United’s operations director, said: “Following on from Saturday’s bumper crowd of nearly 28,000, we are making the additional seating available to ensure as many Blades fans can attend the game as possible.

“It is another huge game for the Club and demand is already high. We really appreciate this level of support and look forward to similar numbers at the weekend.”

Meanwhile Bolton captain Jay Spearing, who scored a stunning winner as his side beat Chris Wilder’s Blades on the opening day of the season, is banned for the Bramall Lane rematch after picking up his tenth booking of the season, for hammering the ball into the stand after their winner against Rochdale. He also missed Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Bradford and Wanderers manager Phil Parkinson said: “It was a moment of madness.

“He knows it was a mistake and he’s paid the price for it.

“You don’t need players to pick up silly bookings.

“Jay knows it was a stupid thing to do and it’s a big punishment.”