Sheffield United v Leyton Orient:Teams, Player to Watch, History Lesson and the Man in the Middle

When Sheffield United last played Leyton Orient in the FA Cup in 2009, they won 4-1 and Billy Sharp was on the scoresheet. They'll be looking for more of the same on Sunday.
Michael Higdon headed in the only goal of the game when United beat Leyton Orient in the League Cup in September 2014Michael Higdon headed in the only goal of the game when United beat Leyton Orient in the League Cup in September 2014
Michael Higdon headed in the only goal of the game when United beat Leyton Orient in the League Cup in September 2014

POSSIBLE TEAMS

Sheffield United (3-5-2): Simon Moore, Reece Brown, James Wilson, Jack O’Connell, Chris Basham, Chris Hussey, Ben Whiteman, Louis Reed, Stefan Scougall, Coalan Lavery, Billy Sharp.

Chris Basham has a shot on goal the last time United played Orient at Bramall LaneChris Basham has a shot on goal the last time United played Orient at Bramall Lane
Chris Basham has a shot on goal the last time United played Orient at Bramall Lane

Leyton Orient: Alex Cisak, Jens Janse, Nicky Hunt, Tom Parkes, Callum Kennedy, Gavin Massey, Nigel Atangana, Robbie Weir, Sandro Semedo, Jordan Bowery, Ollie Palmer.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ollie Palmer - Palmer is Orient’s in-form player, with three goals in his last three League Two outings. He dedicated his second of the season, against Luton, to his nine-year-old cousin Frankie, who has been diagnosed with cancer and confined to a wheelchair. “It really puts everything into perspective,” 24-year-old Palmer said.

HISTORY LESSON

Marc McNulty celebrates scoring the last time United took on Orient at Bramall Lane in October 2014Marc McNulty celebrates scoring the last time United took on Orient at Bramall Lane in October 2014
Marc McNulty celebrates scoring the last time United took on Orient at Bramall Lane in October 2014

All five of the last league meetings between Sheffield United and Leyton Orient have ended in stalemate, although United did prevail in 2014 when the two sides met in the Capital One Cup, thanks to Michael Higdon’s second-minute goal. United reached the semi-finals of the competition that year, before eventually losing out to Spurs. Orient last triumphed over United back in 1983, in the old Third Division, although United won the return match 6-3. Chris Wilder, the current Blades boss, had a loan spell at Orient in 1992 - from United!

MAN IN THE MIDDLE

Nigel Miller - Miller, from County Durham, has taken charge of 12 matches this season, handing out 23 yellow cards and four reds. He took charge of United’s Checkatrade Trophy encounter with Leicester City’s U23s.