It is an age old argument which many tend to steer clear of, the debate around who is the biggest club out of certain teams and why one is better than the other now or historically.

There can be points made across the board as to what constitutes a big club and what doesn't. Do you base it on historical trophies? Do you go with how big the global brand is? Or do you go with where that team currently sits.

Teams like Nottingham Forest, two time European Cup winners, now sit mid table in the Championship, but does this mean they are not a big club any more? Coventry City, who spent years in the Premier League, are now sitting in League One, are they still a big club, or can they not justify that tag any more?

Cases can be made across many of our cities, and no city has such a heated rivalry as in Sheffield, where United and Wednesday are seemingly constantly at loggerheads with each other over who is the bigger club.

There are plenty of reasons the Owls will be considered the bigger club - bigger stadium, better average attendances, longer in the Premier League - but to this day many Blades fans still argue the point.

Here in the opinion of FLW writer Lee Connor, are FIVE reasons that Sheffield United can be considered a bigger club than Wednesday.......

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE REASONS!

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The stadium

While Hillsborough holds around 10,000 more than United's Bramall Lane stadium, United fans are quick to remind people that the stadium is in fact the oldest stadium in the world still hosting professional football matches.

The stadium was the first to host a football tournament, gave way to the first ever flood lit match, and was used for sports such as cricket, as well as hosting famous artists like Bruce Springsteen for concerts.

The old ground has undergone some regeneration in the last few years, but still has its old style shaping and size in the main, and remains one of the best grounds - atmosphere wise - in the country when full.

FA Cup record

United can boast one footballing record over Wednesday which cannot be argued, that which is the fact that they have won more FA Cups than their city rivals.

The Owls have three cup wins to their name, while the Blades have four, although neither club has won the famous trophy in over 80 years now!

The Blades will also point to the fact they were the first Sheffield club to reach the new Wembley in the FA Cup, succumbing to a 5-3 defeat to Hull City a couple of years ago under then manager Nigel Clough.

The Blades Academy

There is one thing which no fan in Sheffield will dispute despite their allegiance, and that is the fact that the Blades produce more youngsters than their cross city rivals.

In the past 15 years, United have brought through England internationals Phil Jagielka and Kyle Walker, as well as Republic of Ireland player Stephen Quinn, and Scottish international Nick Montgomery.

Players such as Kyle Naughton and Matt Lowton have gone on to have successful Premiership and Championship careers, while Harry Maguire has represented the England under 21's, and current goalkeeper George Long has been called up to the same squad.

A lot of time and money has gone in to the academy at Bramall Lane, and whether players are kept on or sold on for profit, it cannot be denied it has been a success.

Current attendances

While the Owls are flying in the Championship at the moment, attendances are not quite where the club would expect them to be.

The Blades' average attendance for this year is just below 20,000, while the Owls attendance is up at 21,500 on average. While it may be higher than United's the Blades are currently in their fifth season in League One, and attendances are actually up on last season.

This is something which fans continue to argue about with each other, with Owls fans citing sharp price increases as a key reason for the low attendances.

However for the time being, it is definitely something many Blades fans are quick to point out, especially considering the last time United were in the Championship, attendances averaged around 25,000 until the year they were eventually relegated.

The overall record reads in favour of United

It is extremely close historically in terms of results between the Steel City rivals, but Sheffield United just have the edge, leading 45 to 42 in the victory stakes, with 40 draws.

The Blades have also scored the most goals over that period of time, after winning three of the opening four fixtures at the back end of the 19th century.

They have only lost once to the Owls at Bramall Lane since the 60's - a 2-1 defeat back in 2009 - and will point to this fact as a reason why some still refer to the ground as "Fortress Bramall Lane" (although this seasons form would suggest otherwise).

Owls and Blades, what do you think? Is it still up debate? Are United the bigger club? Are Wednesday pulling clear of United with their recent success? What is your favourite Sheffield derby memory? Let us know using the comments below!