Chris Wilder's Sheffield United side are sure to come into their game against local rivals Sheffield Wednesday on Friday evening as favourites.

That won't come as a surprise to most supporters, with the Blades having an excellent start to the season, whilst the Owls have struggled for large parts of this year's campaign.

But the Sheffield United boss has weighed in with his surprise verdict ahead of the game on Friday.

In a recent press conference ahead of the derby, Wilder admitted that his side should be coming into their crunch match on Friday evening as underdogs.

'These are games where we really should be going in as underdogs,' said the United boss.

'The only way people will view us as favourites is because of the points we have collected.

'Underdogs or favourites? Everybody will have their own opinion on that, but sometimes you have to look a bit deeper.'

The 51-year-old admitted that his side will be as ruthless as they can, and will be fully focused on putting further pressure on league-leaders Leeds at the top of the Championship table.

'If we are favourites, I don’t see any arrogance in us, or taking the foot of the gas. They are not allowed to and I don’t see it hindering us.'

It is sure to be a closely-fought encounter, with Sheffield United aiming to return to the top of the Championship, whilst their rivals will be hoping a positive result in this one can 'kick-start' their season in the right direction.

The Verdict:

Wilder's comments will come as a surprise to both Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday fans, with both sides having contrasting starts to the season.

The Blades have to be considered favourites for this one, as they have shown they can be a real force in the Championship this season and I fully expect them to be challenging for promotion by the end of the season.

But Sheffield Wednesday will be keen to turn around their poor run of form, and what better way to do it with a win against their fiercest rivals.

I can see the Blades sneaking a result on Friday, but it is sure to be by the narrowest of margins.