Birmingham and Wolves played a great game previous night. Best defence took a victory against best attack. Both goals will be remembered for a while (especially first), brutal challenge by Lee Carsley, too. Derby filled my expectations. It seems first two places are clear, will see what Blades have to say about that. So...
Sheffield United definitely overcame februar crisis. Five wins and two draws from last seven games. Boss Kevin Blackwell is the best manager of March, United caught Reading on the table. Six points behind Birmingham, maybe three after the game. In the last round, they eliminated Ipswich Town (2-0 at home) from play-off race. Home side was dominating entire game and with the goals by Greg Halford and Darius Henderson got an easy victory. It looked like lads played with half of strength. Seven points more than 7th Preston North End (and a game less), no pressure. Young midfielder John-Joe O'Toole have some knee problems, played just 15 minutes against Ipswich and he's under the question mark. No other worries for Blackwell, he's expected to name unchanged eleven.
On the other side, neighbours are fighting to avoid dropping in Leauge One. Three points above the line, but a game or two less than the opponents. A win (Crystal Palace 3-1 at home) and two draws (Derby County 0-0 away and Nottingham Forest 1-1 at home) from last three games. At the last game on Oakwell, Barnsley took a lead at the start of second half, then start playing very comfortable, even missing a penalty. Eagles used it and scored from only goal opportunity. Two points are gone. Their away shape doesn't look good. Four wins, three draws and eleven defeats from eighteen games, with just twelve(12) scored goals! Their chance can be underestimating by the hosts. Liverpool loan Adam Hammill is fit. No worries for Simon Davey, best eleven will play.
Only things that worry me are mentioned underestimating and result of Birm.-Wolv. game. Beside the both sides are from Yorkshire, I can't see why this game should be called derby. Don't believe the excellent run of results by home side can be stopped by weak Barnsley. Betfair offers more than decent 1.76 for home win, Pinnacle 1.70. Home win and gamble on handicap.
"Ferguson cautious of Porto threat". Yeah, sure. Odds for Utd.'s win against Porto are miserable. Another handicap for me, with small stake.
