THE portents for Blackpool appear ominous.
All four of the goals they have conceded this season, a rueful Simon Grayson lamented following a 1-1 draw with Norwich, have come from set-pieces.
Two of the three Sheffield United scored against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday came via exactly the same route.
But an arguably even greater problem awaits the Blackpool manager and his players at Bloomfield Road.
United possess a wealth of attacking talent but their Championship defence, a late strike by Birmingham apart, has appeared almost impenetrable.
"We want to be proactive but we've tried to build from back to front," Blades boss Kevin Blackwell insisted. "If you don't concede then you won't lose. It's as simple as that."
In Sun Jihai, Gary Naysmith and Chris Morgan, whose involvement tomorrow is in doubt after he received a concussive blow to the head last weekend, United have achieved the perfect balance of energy, consistency and sheer bloody-mindedness.
However, perhaps the most influential member of their defensive quartet so far this term has been Matthew Kilgallon.
The former Leeds centre-half's potential has never been questioned during his stay in South Yorkshire but, it is fair to say, doubts have been expressed about his temperament and physique.
Would Kilgallon, like his fearless captain for example, be prepared to go in where it hurts?
Take one for the team?
The answer, on the evidence of the past three games, is an unequivocal 'yes'.
Blackwell, having groomed and sold Kilgallon at Elland Road before resurrecting their partnership at Bramall Lane, is in the perfect position to judge the 24-year-old's progress.
And United's manager is delighted by what he has seen.
"Killa's no longer a young player," Blackwell said. "He knows he's at a stage now where he has to start fulfilling his potential and showing what all the fuss he created when he first came through the ranks was all about.
"He's doing that and his attitude is one of the main reasons.
"Obviously he's got real talent but, more importantly, he's got a real desire to learn and improve.
"He listens to what he's told, takes on board advice and studies what happens in games.
"That's what you're seeing the benefit of now.
"I always knew that he'd do well but, the same as with anyone when they're first starting out, it's a case of how well.
"Killa's got exactly the right approach and he's on course to achieve the things he is capable of achieving."
But there is another factor to consider.
Sam Ellis, Blackwell's assistant and a predecessor of Grayson's, cuts an imposing figure as he patrols the training pitches of Shirecliffe.
And, as anyone who has witnessed his drills, routines or acerbic interventions from the touchline will testify, the 61-year-old is of the opinion that the meek inherit nothing.
"Sam's not to be messed with," Blackwell continued.
"I wouldn't like to try.
"He was a damn good centre-half in his own day and he's worked with Killa before when we were still at Leeds.
"Having somebody who knows the position inside out will help any of the defenders, including Killa.
"Sam's always ready and willing to give his opinion on something and that's invaluable."
Against opponents without a win in three, United's greatest enemy as they search for a third victory in a row would appear to be complacency.
But Grayson has proved himself to be both an accomplished motivator and a shrewd tactician, guiding Blackpool to safety last season only to lose the likes of Wes Hoolahan and Kaspars Gorkšs during the three-month summer break.
Then there is Steven Kabba.
Fair to say, his career has taken a downward spiral since he suffered an horrific spate of injuries following his move to United in November 2002.
Having held out for a return to his native south when he was deemed surplus to requirements in Yorkshire, a switch to Watford failed to ressurect Kabba's fortunes and saw him leave for Lancashire on loan.
But United supporters who once applauded him off the pitch after he excelled against their team for Grimsby - a masterclass which proved the catalyst for his move north - know that a match-winner lurks beneath the bad luck.
Kilgallon's job is to ensure it remains buried.
What do you think? Post your comments below. READ MORE Football headlinesMore BladesMore OwlsMore SpireitesMore RoversMore RedsMore MillersMore Ice HockeyMore rugby leagueMore rugby unionMore boxingSports columnistsAll sport categoriesThe full article contains 770 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.
