Bristol Rovers aim to heap more misery on Wilder’s weary Blades

Bristol Rovers play host to Premier League side Sheffield United this Saturday in the third round of the FA Cup and if ever a tie screamed “cup upset” – it may well be this encounter.

Paul Tisdale was installed as the new manager in November and after an inconsistent start, The Gas are beginning to experience an upturn in results.

Rovers have only experienced defeat once in their last five fixtures across all competitions, securing consecutive home successes in the process.

Last time out, Rovers notched an impressive 2-1 victory over Blackpool at the Memorial Stadium. Falling behind to a ninth-minute Gary Madine strike. The hosts responded positively, with the contest flipped on its head prior to the break.

The lethal strike pairing of Brandon Hanlan and Sam Nicholson breached the Tangerines’ rearguard to devastating effect, in what was a ruthless two-minute spell.

First, it was Hanlan who converted to level the scores, before his trusty strike partner, Nicholson, wonderfully dispatched a volley into the top corner.

The result steered The Gas out of the relegation zone, and, with their league campaign back on track, this contest may be viewed as somewhat of a ‘free hit’.

With spirits high within the Rovers camp, feeding off the confidence bred from encouraging displays, Tisdale’s men may anticipate a genuine chance of securing a major scalp.

Former long-term Exeter man, Tisdale, was complimentary about his side’s opponents, fully aware of the threat they pose. He said: “They’ve got a real resolve about them and although they haven’t won a game the team play in a really applied way.

“They’re having a tough year, but we have to remember they are a Premier League side that finished in the top half of the table last year.”

As for the visitors, their struggles at the top level this season have been well documented, with the vaunted ‘second season syndrome’ having its wicked way.

The Blades currently sit rooted to the bottom of the Premier League, without a single win throughout their 17 fixtures played thus far.

With a mere total of two points accumulated, United sit precariously, finding themselves 12 points adrift of safety. At this point, they are on course to tally a record low points haul at Premier League level, as the reality of demotion to the Championship becomes increasingly real.

Chris Wilder’s men have lost three on the bounce, their most recent outing, a 2-0 reverse at Selhurst Park as Crystal Palace put them to the sword – pun intended.

Jeffrey Schlupp struck first for Palace, prior to livewire, Eberechi Eze, notching a sensational effort. The playmaker, signed from fellow London outfit QPR in the summer, expertly slalomed his way through the United lines from inside his own half, carrying the ball an extraordinary distance before nonchalantly side footing home from 20 yards.

It will be fascinating to see how Wilder decides to play this one. Obviously, remaining in the Premier League, with its embarrassment of riches, will be the top priority. However, a convincing victory and subsequently, safe passage through to round four, may serve as a springboard for the Blades to finally get their season kick-started.

In the build-up to the game, Wilder, who so magically guided his charges to the Premier League from tier three, yet sees his future in serious jeopardy due to the club’s current standing, had his say on the fixture. He said: “You look at every season in isolation.

“This is a hugely important game for us as a club because of the losing run we’re on. I’ve got to look at the game on Tuesday and Saturday in the Premier League as well and that we have 16 outfield players fit and healthy to travel.”

Team News

For the hosts, Tisdale has a relatively fit squad to choose from. The primary concern is over goalkeeper Anssi Jaakkola. Veteran stopper Joe Day was brought in on loan from Cardiff City in the week, the 30-year-old providing welcome experience and depth to the squad.

In other promising news, defender Josh Grant could be back in contention.

The Blades have issues of their own with only 16 outfield players available for selection, however, a couple of them have been struck down by the virus, along with several members of staff.

Wilder was only able to select six substitutes for their most recent fixture at Crystal Palace, nine absent due to a mixture of injury and illness.

This combination afforded a debut for striker Antwoine Hackford, the 16-year-old making a memorable Premier League bow at Selhurst Park. Thin in the forward department, Hackford could see further playing time this weekend, possibly alongside additional academy products.

Kean Bryan, another recent debutant at West Brom, could well be set for further minutes at The Memorial, as is the case for Max Lowe, who has six league appearances to his name so far.

Aaron Ramsdale may be offered a break from in between the sticks, either Michael Verrips or Wes Foderingham likely to deputise.

Full-back George Baldock missed his first action in 58 contests last weekend, Jayden Bogle taking his place. Baldock, such a pivotal figure in the United ranks, could quite well be omitted from the matchday squad once more, in preparation for the resumption of league play.

Head-to-head

Due to their contrasting fortunes, these sides have rarely faced one another in recent times. In fact, you must go back to February 2017 for the last meeting.

It was a goalless draw on that occasion, as Rovers held the then League One leaders. John Fleck, still a member of the Blades’ squad today, struck the woodwork. The Gas almost claimed an improbable victory, however, Rory Gaffney’s headed effort late on was ruled out for offside.

This Saturday’s FA Cup tie will be the 26^th contest between the sides, Rovers holding a slight edge overall, having accumulated ten wins to United’s eight. The remaining eight fixtures have resulted in draws.

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