Picking the future lottery numbers may be an easier task than predicting the Bristol City team tonight.
A flu bug has spread through the first team that forced a number of senior players such as Andi Weimann, Rob Atkinson and Timm Klose to sit out of the draw against Swansea with Nigel Pearson fearing it could get worse before it gets better.
Alex Scott was also suffering the effects in the build-up to Saturday and the manager confirmed his players are taking a course of medication in an attempt to limit the spread.
On top of that, a number of fringe players such as George Tanner and Cam Pring will feel they a deserving to keep their place in the side after such impressive performances in the back three.
What is clear is that City will need to be at their best once again if they are to get a result against Sheffield United. The promotion hopefuls are currently fourth in the league and come into the contest on the back of a 2-0 victory over West Brom on Saturday.
Here's how we think City will shape up to take on their opponents.
Goalkeeper and defence
Max O'Leary can come out of Saturday's game with real credit after dominating his area from Swansea's crosses. City faced 26 crosses in total and he showed no hesitation in coming off his line to make punches or catch the ball to relieve the pressure on his defence.
Having a keeper who has the confidence to come off his line certainly earns the trust of those in front of him and he will feel unfortunate not to have kept a clean sheet having barely been tested by Swansea in open play. Their goal came from a deflected strike that arrowed into the bottom corner to leave him with little chance.
He'll keep his place in between the sticks but the uncertainty lies with who plays ahead of him. The makeshift three of Tanner, Zak Vyner and Pring may have had a few supporters chewing their nails before kick-off but they stood up to their task and may have just earned their opportunity once again.
Of course, that also depends on the fitness of Klose and Atkinson. The latter pulled out in the warm-up on Saturday and headed home soon after the start of the contest.
Pearson may feel even if he's not at 100 per cent, he won't be worth risking especially considering his replacement in Pring earned the supporter's Man of the Match. Klose, on the other hand, was in attendance at Ashton Gate but watched the action from the stands so it's reasonable to assume he's the most likely to have recovered.
If so, there will be a temptation to bring him back into the fold and that would mean Tanner coming out of the starting line-up, Vyner moving back over to the right and Klose coming back into the middle. It would feel harsh on Tanner who offered dynamism in that position, working alongside Mark Sykes.
But it would also make sense from a tactical point of view. Sheffield United will pose more of a physical and aerial threat than Swansea. For example, they win an average of 20.1 headers per game compared to the Welsh side's 9.7. The Blades also average 18.1 tackles per match compared to Swansea's 12.9.
Therefore Klose's physicality and aerial dominance could see him get the nod while Tomas Kalas and Kal Naismith remain ruled out with calf injuries.
Wing-backs and midfield
Mark Sykes' form in recent weeks has come under the microscope but he has credit in the bank from his displays earlier in the season, plus the fact there's some acknowledgement he's making the step up in an unfamiliar position.
Sykes seemed a lot more positive with his attacking play against Swansea, managing to get forward and get his crosses away but his defensive performance also deserves a lot of praise. He was disciplined in staying in a back five when out of possession and he kept his side quiet for long periods in the match.
There's little doubt he'll keep his spot, as will Jay Dasilva, who played an important role in City's first goal. It was his pressure alongside Alex Scott and Antoine Semenyo that cornered the opponent before his pass into Nahki Wells helped assist Tommy Conway.
If Atkinson returns to the fold, there is a possibility he'll come back into the defence meaning Pring could theoretically take Dasilva's space at left wing-back although it's unlikely.
In midfield, Alex Scott and Matty James will look to keep their starting roles with the former also struggling last week with the virus. He managed 81 minutes on Saturday but looked tired when he was replaced although it's unlikely to see him start on the bench this time around.
A possible change could see Joe Williams come back into the starting XI which will mean Pearson may opt for a flat three in midfield. That extra man in the middle could prove important to help limit Sheffield United's attacks as Pearson opted for against West Brom and Reading.
Williams' energy from the bench is a huge plus against tiring opponents while Andy King can also provide that stability and experience in the final 10 minutes of matches if needed.
Han-Noah Massengo wasn't in the squad on Saturday for the fifth consecutive game and it's unlikely he'll feature again on Tuesday night with Pearson admitting he's now behind the likes of Dylan Kadji in the pecking order.
Strikers
A decision on the forward line really hinges on whether Andi Weimann is passed fit. The Austrian was left out of the squad on Saturday and unlike Klose, didn't appear to be among those watching behind the substitute bench.
Even if he has recovered, the reality is that he still won't be at full fitness and therefore Pearson will consider starting him on the bench. That prediction is reinforced by the fact that Semenyo, Wells and Conway offered fluidity and dynamism with their pace that caused Swansea's defence plenty of questions.
Whether they can maintain that high intensity once again with two games in four days will prove a difficult ask but there seems no reason to switch it around. Pearson will also be able to turn to Sam Bell for his pace, as he did on Saturday, with the young striker making his first league appearance of the season.
Conway managed to get himself back on the scoresheet for the first time in nine matches and that could spark a run of goals, especially after revealing he has changed his diet to deal with the quick turnaround of games. It was also worth noting that it was an assist from Wells that saw them break the deadlock.
Chris Martin will also undoubtedly play a role from the bench as he continues to be patient to get his opportunity from the off.
Bristol City (3-4-1-2): Max O'Leary; Zak Vyner, Timm Klose, Cam Pring; Mark Sykes, Alex Scott, Matty James, Jay Dasilva; Antoine Semenyo; Tommy Conway, Nahki Wells
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