A hopeful effort from Alan Hutton for Villa from distance on the half-volley goes sailing over the Sheffield United crossbar.

More groans of discontent from the home supporters it would seem too.

Image source, Rex Features

Sheffield United's turn to put a tasty cross into the area but Enda Stevens' ball from the left doesn't find a team-mate.

Again players go to ground and some fancy their chance to appeal for a penalty.

Nada as Tommy Elphick heads clear under pressure from Gary Madine.

Anwar El Ghazi fizzes in a dangerous-looking cross towards the oncoming Jonathan Kodjia, but he won't get that.

He also tumbles to the ground hopefully looking for a penalty but nothing doing, says referee Tony Harrington.

Villa lose a bit of rhythm coming forward once again as a Mile Jedinak hopeful ball out to Jonathan Kodjia runs out of play.

Gary Madine then wins a free-kick to frustrate the hosts even more on halfway.

No shortage of committed challenges going in!

Conor Hourihane and then Tyrone Mings go in full pelt and eventually Villa get the free-kick.

Tasty stuff!

Image source, Rex Features

Bit of a lull in proceedings for the first time tonight until Villa show some sort of intent.

They can't quite find the right angle for the cross until Alan Hutton stands one up to the far post that Tammy Abraham can't get enough power behind to head on target.

Great tackle from Jack O'Connell!

Tammy Abraham looked set to go through on goal after Villa stole the ball on halfway, but the Sheffield United centre-back was Bobby Moore-esque there in his interception some 35 yards out from goal.

Villa are keen to get on with things seemingly.

A quick free-kick is taken after Tammy Abraham is fouled, but there's little chance of them catching out a well-organised Sheffield United defence, who marshal it clear.

Image source, Rex Features

Plenty of energy still from Sheffield United.

They're pinning Villa back into their half with strong runs down the wide channels.

Chris Wilder likes what he sees, well at least I think he does, he still looks terrifying even when his side are ahead.

Ged Scott
BBC Sport at Villa Park

Blades fans are understandably in full voice.

They now have something to show for their almost total dominance of their first 15 minutes.

And the restart following Billy Sharp’s goal at least allowed the hosts to cross the halfway line!

What have Villa got in reply then?

Over to you Tammy Abraham for your customary home goal...

A few early meaty challenges in this one. No goals as yet though.

Image source, Rex Features

Villa escape from a first Sheffield United corner that's swung in dangerously close to John Egan's run into the box.

Decent tempo this from the Blades.

They don't have to wait long, though, as George Baldock gets set free on the run and he takes a shot from 30 yards out.

Lovre Kalinic has the answer and parries it away to safety.

Sheffield United have a free-kick, which Oliver Norwood swings in from the right but Tyrone Mings heads clear.

That was the first real foray by the Blades into Villa's half but nothing really doing for the visitors yet.

Villa out the traps a bit quicker with Ahwar El Ghazi trying to stretch his legs down the right.

Shows too much of it though to Jack O'Connell who slides it out of touch for a throw-in.

At the other end, Gary Madine and Tyrone Mings tussle in a 50/50 which Mings wins.

Ged Scott
BBC Sport at Villa Park

It’s not been the most pleasant of days in the Midlands and there’s rain in the air at Villa Park tonight.

But, despite a late surge, it’s still a surprise to see so many empty seats!

Aston Villa’s 15 home league games so far this season have brought 61 goals - an average of over four per match.

Maybe the stayaways know something?

Right then - here we go.

Who's going to be getting their weekend off to the perfect start with three points?

Just before the two teams step out on to the pitch - here's some stats to get your heads round....

• Aston Villa are unbeaten in their past 11 home league games against Sheffield United. They lost 2-0 to the Blades in the top flight in January 1966.
• Sheffield United have only won one of their seven away league games against Villa in the second tier.
• Villa have found the back of the net in each of their past 27 home league games, their longest scoring streak since a run of 33 which ended in December 1983.
• Sheffield United top scorer Billy Sharp has scored with six of his past 10 shots in the Championship.
• Villa top scorer Tammy Abraham has netted 12 goals in his past seven home Championship appearances for Villa.
• Blades striker David McGoldrick has been involved in seven goals (five goals, two assists) in his past six Championship starts.