Sheffield United vs Plymouth Argyle preview - McCarthy missing for Blades

Sheffield United will be without centre-half Paddy McCarthy for their FA Cup clash with Plymouth.

McCarthy, on loan from Crystal Palace, is unavailable for the second-round tie and boss Nigel Clough has hinted Chris Basham will switch from midfield to the heart of defence.

The Blades will also be without latest signing Chris O'Grady. The striker, on loan from Brighton, is nursing a calf injury, but has not been given permission by his parent club to play anyway.

Michael Higdon and Marc McNulty will be vying for a recall in O'Grady's absence following their recent return to fitness, while Jose Baxter is also pushing for a recall.

Plymouth will be without influential midfielder Bobby Reid when they look to cause a cup upset.

The Bristol City loanee scored on his return for a second spell with the Pilgrims last Saturday but his parent club will not let him feature in the FA Cup so boss John Sheridan will be forced into at least one change to his starting line-up.

Sheridan was impressed with his side's display in their 1-1 draw against York last time out and he is unlikely to make any more changes.

Argyle are looking to reach the third round for the second season running having lost to Port Vale at that stage of last season's competition after a replay.