Huddersfield v Sheff Utd preview

Team news for Saturday's League One play-off final between Huddersfield and Sheffield United at Wembley (kick-off 3pm).

Last Updated: 26/05/12 at 15:14   

Cresswell: Hopes to play

Cresswell: Hopes to play

Sheffield United's injured pair Richard Cresswell and Kevin McDonald both hope to be in contention for Saturday's npower League One play-off final against Huddersfield at Wembley.

Cresswell, who has struggled with a shoulder problem in recent weeks, missed the second leg of the Blades' 1-0 semi-final win over Stevenage due to an eye infection understood to have been caused by his contact lenses.

The striker could make his 100th start for the club if he is passed fit and will be looking to notch his 11th goal of the season, while manager Danny Wilson must decide whether to start with him alongside Chris Porter.

Midfielder McDonald aggravated the hamstring that kept him out for seven matches in February and March and was withdrawn during half-time in the second leg against Stevenage.

The Scot has responded well to treatment and will be given until the last minute, but if he fails to make it Nick Montgomery will return to the starting line-up.

The Blades are bidding for their first play-off final success after losing their previous three to Crystal Palace (1-0) in 1997, Wolves (3-0) in 2003 and Burnley (1-0) in 2009.

Meanwhile, Huddersfield midfielder Scott Arfield appears set to return to contention for this crucial clash, but goalkeeper Ian Bennett is struggling.

Arfield missed the return leg of Huddersfield's semi-final win over MK Dons due to an ankle problem, while Bennett injured his hand in the same match and was replaced by Alex Smithies, who is likely to continue in goal.

Manager Simon Grayson has no other injury or suspension problems and is unlikely to make any unforced changes to the side that started against the Dons.

Skipper Peter Clarke is expected to continue alongside Sean Morrison in central defence, with Tommy Miller and Damien Johnson in central midfield, Danny Ward and Kallum Higginbotham on the wings and 40-goal striker Jordan Rhodes continuing his partnership with Lee Novak up front.

Huddersfield lost 3-0 to Peterborough in the League One play-off final at Old Trafford last year and were knocked out at the semi-final stage by Millwall in the previous season's play-offs.

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npower League 1

Position Team P GD PTS
1 Doncaster 46 18 84
2 Bournemth 46 23 83
3 Brentford 46 15 79
4 Yeovil 46 15 77
5 Sheff Utd 46 14 75
6 Swindon 46 33 74
7 Leyton Or 46 7 71
8 MK Dons 46 17 70
9 Walsall 46 7 68
10 Crawley 46 1 68
11 Tranmere 46 10 67
12 Notts Co 46 12 65
13 Crewe 46 -8 64
14 Preston 46 5 59
15 Coventry 46 7 55
16 Shrewsbury 46 -6 55
17 Carlisle 46 -21 55
18 Stevenage 46 -17 54
19 Oldham 46 -13 51
20 Colchester 46 -21 51
21 Scunthorpe 46 -24 48
22 Bury 46 -28 41
23 Hartlepool 46 -28 41
24 Portsmouth 46 -18 32

Updated Sat, 27 Apr 2013

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