Sheffield United: Blackpool clash could prove to be a turning point plus opposition injuries

Despite entering the match above second-placed Norwich City on goal difference, United have taken only a point from their last three outings during the build-up to the clash with Michael Appleton’s side.

The 44-year-old has refused to blame the defeats to Stoke City and Queens Park Rangers, plus the draw with Birmingham City, on a casualty list which will see the likes of Sander Berge, Jayden Bogle, Enda Stevens, Jack Robinson and Max Lowe all miss out against the visitors from Lancashire.

But with no fixture sandwiched in between the trip to Stoke and the meeting with Blackpool, Heckingbottom said: “Every game is a good chance (to turn things around) but every game we also know we have to be at our best. They haven’t been pushovers in any game. It's good that we’ve had a week on the grass.”

Appleton’s men are ranked 19th but cross the Pennines on the back of a draw with Sunderland and a victory over Watford. Blackpool defender Jordan Gabriel will sit out the contest with a knee problem which could require surgery. James Husband and Rhys Williams are also confined to the treatment room but former United striker Gary Madine is expected to feature despite a slight groin issue.

Heckingbottom, who met with former referee Kevin Friend today to discuss the issue of time-wasting, added: “I hope they (Blackpool) don’t try and slow it down from a spectacle point of view.”

MORE: https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/sheffield-united-some-owners-will-be-licking-their-lips-at-this-idea-admits-paul-heckingbottom-3880447