Here it is. The big one.
Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday go head-to-head for the first time this season, and for the first time in the new Millennium when both clubs have been in the third tier of English Football.
A sold out Bramall Lane (and 8,000 watching a special 'Beam Back' at Hillsborough) will play witness to what is predicted to be a real cracker of a game, which is getting harder to call as the week goes on.
There are so many elements to consider in this game. Former Owls player and manager Danny Wilson is now the man in the hot seat at Bramall Lane, who will be experiencing his first game against Wednesday as United boss on Sunday.
Gary Megson is another former player, now of course, the manager. It is Megson's side who have the upper hand in this fixture in terms of form, but as we all know, form counts for nothing in this local derby.
Last time at the Lane: Jamie Ward gives United the lead at The Lane, as The Blades win 3-2.
Last time at Hillsborough: Darren Potter fires Wednesday into the lead in the 1-1 draw.
Our bloggers:
Paul, Sheffield United;
"It’s the biggest match for the fans and the biggest match League One will ever see.
"Some of my best friends are Wednesday fans and I’m sure they will give me a right hammering if they win, but it would only be the same the other way round.
"They say that the formbook goes out of the window when it comes to these games; I really hope this is true because we are certainly not in form and they are.
"I'd like to think that we are at home and that gives us the edge but ask Huddersfield and Charlton about our home form. The Blade in me thinks we will win, the brain says I'd be happy with a draw.
"I’m saying 2-1 to the Blades..."
Read Paul's thoughts on the Sheffield United page:
http://sportyorkshire.blogspot.com/p/sheffield-united.html
"I genuinely fancy us on Sunday and how could I not based on our start to the season?
"I was speculative about the Owls' start to the season, but ultimately positive and that positive feeling has done nothing but grow!
"Going into the game on Sunday at Bramall Lane is going to be electric! Sheffield literally focuses on nothing else. Everyone talks about if for weeks no matter what the context, whether you're an avid fan or a member of the Emergency Services, the city really does stop for Derby day.
"I just can't call it and by the looks of things, neither can anyone else. Playing Devil's advocate allows me to be synical and say; 'We are due a defeat' but the Owl on my shoulder says; 'We can continue an unbeaten run'..."
Read Don's thoughts on the Sheffield Wednesday page: http://sportyorkshire.blogspot.com/p/sheffield-wednesday.html
Read Don's thoughts on the Sheffield Wednesday page: http://sportyorkshire.blogspot.com/p/sheffield-wednesday.html
Key men:
Player: Harry Maguire
Team: Sheffield United
Position: Defence
Young Harry McGuire will get his first taste of a Steel City derby on Sunday after graduating from United's youth set-up last season. He has been ever-present at the back for The Blades this season and will be thoroughly tested on Sunday against Wednesday's front line.
Player: Rob Jones
Team: Sheffield Wednesday
Position: Defence
Lifelong Owl Rob Jones was handed the captaincy by Gary Megson in the summer and has helped shape the core of Wednesday's back line this season so far. This is also his first Steel City Derby.
Player: Nick Montgomery
Team: Sheffield United
Position: Midfield
Despite being rule out due to injury recently, Nick Montgomery is tipped to make an early return to the side for the visit of Wednesday on Sunday. His experience in this particular fixture could prove vital for Wilson's side.
Player: Jose Semedo
Team: Sheffield Wednesday
Position: Midfield
Owls midfielder Jose Semedo has been the key man in midfield so far this season, after breaking joining from Charlton in the summer. He could be the key to an Owls win on Sunday.
Player: Ched Evans
Team: Sheffield United
Position: Forward
Ched Evans has had a summer to forget at Sheffield United after relegation to League One and a court case to boot. But his return to the side has proved to be a real source of goals for The Blades which they'll need to overcome their Steel City rivals.
Player: Gary Madine
Team: Sheffield Wednesday
Position: Forward
Former Carlisle United striker Gary Madine goes into this game as the League's top goal scorer with ten out of ten games. His ability to hold the ball up and find the back of the net will be crucial for The Owls on Sunday.
Former Carlisle United striker Gary Madine goes into this game as the League's top goal scorer with ten out of ten games. His ability to hold the ball up and find the back of the net will be crucial for The Owls on Sunday.
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