Sheffield United vs Stoke preview: Championship clash live on Sky Sports Football

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Monday 22 October 2018 18:54, UK

Sheffield United will welcome back George Baldock for the visit of Stoke.

Baldock missed Saturday's defeat at Derby with illness, but is now fit and healthy and will challenge for a place in the squad. Kean Bryan, who has a minor injury, is the only absentee as Chris Wilder boasts a full squad.

Ben Woodburn, on loan from Liverpool, played for the Reds Under-23s on Sunday but is still part of the Blades' squad.

Peter Etebo looks set to miss out for Stoke. The Nigeria midfield picked up a hamstring injury on international duty and is unlikely to be fit at Bramall Lane.

Cuco Martina twisted his ankle in Saturday's defeat at Birmingham and will be monitored ahead of kick-off. Mame Diouf has suffered a setback in his comeback from a hamstring injury while Sam Clucas also remains out.

Opta stats

Sheffield United and Stoke haven't faced since December 2007 in a Championship clash at Bramall Lane - a 3-0 victory for Stoke.

Stoke have conceded just four goals in their last seven league games against Sheffield United.

Sheffield United have won more Championship matches than any other side this season (8), though they've lost just one fewer game (4) than Stoke (5) despite being 15 places above the Potters.

Stoke have won all three of their matches on a Tuesday in all competitions this season.

Sheffield United haven't trailed for a single minute in a league match at Bramall Lane since losing 2-1 to Swansea City on the opening day of the season.

Stoke have conceded first in seven Championship matches this season and are yet to come from behind to win any of those games (D2 L5).

Prutton's prediction

It must have been so frustrating for Chris Wilder against Derby on Saturday evening to see his gameplan fly out of the window so quickly, although it shouldn't affect them too much as Sheffield United tend not to dwell on defeats for too long.

Gary Rowett will know Stoke are still at a stage where a few wins on the spin will see them fly up the table and into the top six, but I can't see that happening at Bramall Lane. Home win for me.

David Prutton predicts: 2-0 (17/2 with Sky Bet)