Town manager Jim Magilton: "Owen is a big doubt for us at the moment, he has a virus and we will have to see how he is Saturday morning. He is a game lad though and will want to play but at the moment, that looks unlikely.

"Jon (Walters) is another worry for us. He's been carrying an injury for a week or two and it seems to be worse for him when we have a midweek game. We will have a look at him in the morning and go from there.

"Gareth (McAuley) and David Norris have both trained okay and as long as they have no reaction overnight, then they should be okay.

"It's just the sort of game we need after Tuesday night, a big match in front of our home fans,I expect us to look after the ball better than we did at Birmingham and stamp our authority on the game from the first whistle.

"Sheffield are a good side with a lot of experienced players. They are solid at the back and James Beattie and Billy Sharp look a good partnership up front. Beattie is a top player and should be in the Premier League.

"He scored more than 20 goals for them last season and that included a long spell out injured. He is capable of firing the goals to take them to promotion."

Kevin Blackwell could be without Gary Speed, who will be subject to a late fitness test on his back. Ugo Ehiogu is available after a suspension.

Blades Assistant manager, Sam Ellis: "Until last Tuesday Town were having a good run and they are always formidable opposition in Suffolk. They play good football and as we know what we have to face we are looking forward to the challenge.

"Ipswich have a good crowd behind them and an intimidating atmosphere, it is a real football place to go to. Jim Magilton has done well, bringing in good players and improving the side.

"Owen Garvan is a very promising youngster and he is only one of a number of Ipswich players that we will have to account for.

"In goal Richard Wright has had a good career, playing for some top clubs, but our own Paddy Kenny has been in good form since Kevin Blackwell and I arrived and we rate him as probably the best in the division.

"They have ex Blades Alan Quinn and Jon Stead in their ranks but I don't think that 'insider knowledge' will count for a lot because Jim Magilton will know us well anyway. And Quinny not being in their side recently shows what a good squad he has.

"Our lads have been bright in training this week and are in determined mood because they feel they did well against Wolves.

"They have usually managed to bounce back after suffering a loss which shows the quality within our squad."

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