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Bolton Wanderers welcome Sheffield United to the Reebok this weekend for our latest FA Cup adventure.
Wanderers are, of course, one of the form teams in League One whilst Sheffield United arrive at the game on the back of a very disappointing 0-1 defeat at home to Walsall in midweek.
Under the command of one-time Wanderers target Chris Wilder, United have pulled their socks up and have performed well in the league after a slow start amidst their sixth consecutive season at this level.
They have coped well with the loss of starlet Che Adams, who joined Birmingham City in the summer. Wilder has made several signings such as Leon Clarke (from Bury), John Fleck (Coventry City) and Caolan Lavery (Sheffield Wednesday) to bolster what was already a talented squad.
The most notable departures included Mark Howard to Bolton and youngster Dominic Calvert-Lewin to Everton for £1.5m.
Just a place and two points behind Bolton in League One, United had, before the loss to Walsall, been on a 15 game unbeaten streak which meant that they were rightly counted amongst the promotion favourites.
Of course the sides have already met once this season, with Jay Spearing's first half volley earning a 1-0 win for the home side in what was a tight and keenly fought contest on the opening day of the campaign.
They arrive in the Second Round having beaten Leyton Orient convincingly at home by six goals to nil.
Long time favourite of mine, Billy Sharp, is the man to watch - he has plundered 11 goals in 15 games this season to confirm his status as one of the best strikers in the division. I'd give my right bollock for him to play for us.
In closing, I'd like to give a special mention to Sheffield United and their supporters. Second only to Wednesday in their city, they have a very high opinion of themselves. Yes, they travel in numbers, but if you lived in Sheffield wouldn't you take every opportunity you could to get the F out?
So it is with great anticipation that we look forward to the weekend's game - though if I may give you some advice, it would be to arrive early, as there is likely to be a shortage of parking available once the rumoured 120,000 away fans get to town.
COYWM.