Tension is starting to creep in as Saturday edges closer, with Sheffield United set to host Nottingham Forest in the first-leg of the playoff semi-finals.
The Blades welcome the Reds to Bramall Lane after finishing the season strongly to secure fifth place. Impressive wins at QPR and then at home to Fulham ensured Paul Heckingbottom’s side finished the campaign with goals and, crucially, the points needed.
Forest represent a different challenge, however. Most Blades fans are in agreement that Forest were one of the better -if not the best – side to visit this season. Despite that, United came within a minute of beating them when not at their best, while the game at the City Ground ended 1-1 as well.
Keinan Davis Out For Nottingham Forest In Boost For Sheffield United
Key to Forest causing United problems at The Lane was the performance of striker, Keinan Davis. The Aston Villa loanee was a nightmare all night as his strength, pace, and bullish approach caused John Egan and co problems. But, in what is good news for Egan and the Blades, it looks like Davis won’t make it for this weekend.
Davis has been out with a hamstring injury recently and Steve Cooper spoke just last week about the striker being no closer to a return. Despite scoring just five goals this term for the Reds, Davis is one of a few strikers who have genuinely given John Egan a bit of a run-around this season. The Irishman has once again been outstanding for United, but he’ll be happy to not see Davis this weekend you’d imagine.
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Of course, there’s no real let up for Egan and United’s back three. Sam Surridge will start in Davis’ place, and he has six in his last six, including a hat-trick against Swansea City.
On the day, the Blades will be hoping it’s their own front three who grab the headlines.
