Blackwell Anticipates Close Game

Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell believes that the FA Cup fixture against QPR this weekend could prove to be another close encounter.

In the last fixture prior to Christmas, Rangers and the Blades played out a 1-1 draw in Paul Hart's first game in charge of the hosts.

Mikele Leigertwood's opener against his old side was cancelled out by a deflected effort from Richard Cresswell, and the second period proved to be a war of attrition.

Blackwell told sufc.co.uk that he could field a side of his more experienced players as he looks to rotate in a fixture neither side want.

'We know all about each other having played two weeks ago and it is a game that we both would probably like to see out of the way

'It may be a chance to give some of my senior players who need games the chance to play but we will field a strong side.'

Paul Hart is a man under pressure from some quarters at QPR, with supporters taking exception to his defensive tactics, in particular the way he successfully closed the game out against Bristol City.

Blackwell was quick to praise the character of Hart and believes this latest encounter could prove to be another close test that may have to be settled by a moment of FA Cup magic.

'Rangers have some talented individuals and strength in depth and Paul Hart is trying to mould them into a team,' he continued.

'I respect Paul, he is a decent guy who I have known for a long time and we get on quite well.

'Down there in the league we got level quickly after losing an early goal and dominated for the rest of the first-half. They came back at us after the break and I expect another close game but this time with that bit of magic that the FA Cup provides.'

As has been well documented Rangers' recent FA Cup record is nothing short of appalling, failing to win a game in the competition since 2001 in a replay against Luton Town.




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