Sheffield United vs Middlesbrough – BBC Sport

Sheffield United misses versatile defenseman Chris Basham for visiting Middlesbrough because of his suspension.

Marvin Johnson on loan can not face his parent club, but Scott Hogan is expected to return after that decision prevented him from being involved at Aston Villa on Friday.

Middlesbrough will evaluate the fitness of striker Britt Assombalonga, having pbaded a test before the Leeds match.

Midfielder Mo Besic is also aiming for a recall after a stint on the bench.

Match facts

• Sheffield United's 2-1 win at Bramall Lane last season is their only win in their last five league games against Middlesbrough, who won the other four.
• Boro won just one win in nine games outside Bramall Lane in all competitions, a 2-1 victory in April 2011 under Tony Mowbray.
• The Blades are undefeated in the 12 league games they played on Wednesday since losing 1-0 to Norwich City in March 1993.
• Boro, who lost to Newport at the fourth round FA Cup replay, lost all competitions under Tony Pulis once, against Norwich and Cardiff in February 2018.
• Since the beginning of 2016-2017, Sheffield United has won 70% of his home games with Billy Sharp (35/50) against 27% when he has not started yet (3/11).
• Britt Assombalonga has scored three of the last four goals of the championship outside of Middlesbrough, all substitutes.