SHEFFIELD United are likely to field a very different team tomorrow than City might have anticipated.
Nigel Clough had hoped to give a couple of players a breather to patch up the wear and tear in his squad ahead of another play-off campaign.
But Tuesday's unexpected loss at relegated Yeovil means they still have some work to do before a top-six League One place is put to bed.
The Blades, currently fifth, enjoy an eight-point advantage on Rochdale – although Keith Hill's seventh-placed side have a game in hand.
So Clough may have to call upon a few of the walking wounded to claim the win that would guarantee their spot in the end-of-season shoot-out.
Ryan Flynn and Steve Davies are both struggling after quitting Tuesday's defeat before half-time. Jamie Murphy has also had a problem with his back.
Clough said: "What makes it disappointing is the fact that when you look at what happened elsewhere, it means we could have had the opportunity to rest a few of those lads going forward. We probably don't have that opportunity now."
Bottom club Yeovil's winner came from a blunder by keeper Mark Howard and Clough admitted he told his team "a few home truths" afterwards.
The Blades boss said: "The most important thing is the next three games. We've pointed out our feelings on the Yeovil game to the players but now we've got to move on.
"It's still as you were (in the league). That's a consolation of sorts. We're better than that – we know it and other people know it – so we've got to go out there and show it as we have in the past."
United's form at Bramall Lane has been inconsistent – although they have won three of the last four at home, the exception being against another struggling side in Crewe.
This will be their 59th game of a congested season after reaching the Capital One Cup semi-finals.
City boss Phil Parkinson said: "They are close to getting into the play-offs and it's no surprise. They are a big club in this division and have also had a couple of very good cup runs."
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