Sheff Utd v Stevenage preview

Team news ahead of Saturday's League One clash between Sheffield United and Stevenage at Bramall Lane.

Sheffield United manager Danny Wilson is preparing to be without defensive duo Tony McMahon and Matt Hill. Both men limped out of the Blades' first league defeat of the season at MK Dons last week with hamstring injuries and are not expected to be fit on Saturday, with Tuesday's clash with Crewe a more realistic target for their return. Striker Dave Kitson is not progressing as quickly as hoped in his battle with a hamstring problem and the veteran will again be missing. The Blades have scored just one goal in their last three league outings and Wilson has hinted he may change things around in attack, with Shaun Miller hoping for a start. Goalkeeper Mark Howard (thigh) and defender Lecsinal Jean-Francois (knee) remain long-term absentees. Robin Shroot is back in favour at Stevenage and should be in the squad. The six-goal midfielder's Boro future was thrown into doubt last month after he requested a loan move having become frustrated at a lack of starting opportunities. Manager Gary Smith left Shroot out for two matches but he returned as a substitute against Preston last weekend and wore the captain's armband in a midweek friendly to keep up his fitness. Lee Hills (thigh), Robbie Rogers and Don Cowan (both hamstring) also played in the 1-1 friendly draw with Southend as they continue their recovery from recent lay-offs. But centre-half Jon Ashton will be on the sidelines until Christmas with an Achilles injury.