MatchPreview

26.08.06 - Fulham -V- Blades - FA Premier League
Saturday�s clash between the two relegation-tipped teams will
prove to be a game of two thirds! As Warnock (57) is the third
oldest manager at the top flight level, he returns to the
technical area with the rest of his coaching staff. There, he
shall use his wealth of footballing knowledge to beat Chris
Coleman (36), the third youngest manager to operate in the
Premiership.

Midfield maestro Jimmy Bullard, who netted a penalty on his
home debut to salvage a point midweek, will need to shine
amongst others to get the home side back on track. A defeat to
the Cottagers shall confirm that they equalled last season�s start, their worst ever in the Premier League.

If history were to repeat itself, it should mean that Warnock�s men return back up North with all three points to chalk up. Their last away top flight contest against Fulham finished in a 0-1 victory for United, on 13 March 1968. Firing on all cylinders shall be crucial if the Sheffielders are to boost their point tally and morale, after Tottenham blunt the strike force and capitalised on poor defending.

This fixture could be considered as the eye of the storm as far as fixtures are concerned. With Blackburn to host at the Lane the following Saturday and as a trip to the Gunners beckons closer, now is the time for United to bag their first win of the season.

Revealing little of his preparation, Warnock is to be keeping his cards close to his chest, unlike Graham Poll, the referee assigned to feature at Craven Cottage. A conformation that a twenty-man squad shall be travelling given the recent injury crisis. Rob Hulse is a possibility to figure in United�s first team, as Warnock considers to rethink his strategy �regarding numbers� as adding fresh blood is still on the cards. Crocked defenders Craig Short and Claude Davis have set their sights set on returning for the Blackburn match, making their home debuts with United in the Permiership. Others sidelined include Steve Kabba (groin), Derek Geary (groin) and Paul Ifill (illness), who�s next league goal strikes the big fifty landmark.

Former Lane Hero Michael Brown is blighted by sores and sceptic blisters on his feet, after being substituted nine minutes from time against Bolton. The midfielder has yet to play against his old club. Danish ace Claus Jensen�s fitness remains a question mark, as he suffers with a Calf strain. Coleman has ruled out Mark Pembridge (Achilles), Simon Elliott (calf) and Mark Crossley (back).

Last Time: 2000/2001: 1-1.

Odds (thebladesbet):
Home Win: 10/11
Draw: 9/4
Away Win: 3/1

Team and prediction:
Kenny,
Sommeil, Bromby, Morgan, Unsworth,
Gillespie, Jagielka, Tonge, Armstrong,
Hulse, Webber.

1-2 (Bullard, Jagielka, Webber).

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