By Paul Holland
August 16 2002

Both Blades and Saddlers has failed to pick up a victory in their opening two games and will need to all three on Saturday if they have a chance of doing well this season. Sheffield United lost 2-1 to Coventry City and drew at home to Portsmouth on Tuesday night 1-1.

The Blades will be without captain Robert Page once again after he picked up a injury at Coventry, the same injury has left him out of Wales squad.

Robert Ullathorne went off at half-time on Tuesday through injury but it is unclear if it is serious or not.

Walsall, who lost to Division 1 newcomers Ipswich 2-0 on Sunday hoped they would do better against Rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers last Wednesday, sadly though Wolves hammered them 3-1 at Molineux.

The Saddlers will be without key players, Defender Matt Carbon will be out after leaving field at Wolves, Pedro Maties is touch and go as it is 50/50 whether he will play or not after picking up a groin strain. Jorge Leitao has a ankle injury and is also 50/50 on if he will play or not.

Australian International David Zdrillic and ex Birmingham player Martin O'Connor will defiantly be out, so will ex Wednesday striker Danny Sonner.

Last season at Bramall Lane Walsall escaped relegation after beating United 1-0, Leitao scored Saddlers goal. Neil Warnock did field a very weakened side has he played five youth players.

Prediction: United can be strong at home, Paddy Kenny had a brilliant game on Tuesday and if he keeps up his form, Walsall shouldn't be able to get past him. I think that on the day the Blades will be too strong from Colin Lee's side and will win 2-0 with two goals from Carl Asaba.