The Blades will send Southampton down if they win at St Mary's and, in the process, guarantee the Owls's survival.

But Blades manager Blackwell insists that his only concern is getting his own team into the play-off zone. A victory could take the Blades into the play-offs if three other clubs above slip up.

Blackwell said: "This is all about Sheffield United trying to win a game and seeing where it leaves us. I know that I would probably be flavour of the month with the other half of the city if we won and did them a favour but it would just be a by-product of us having to win for ourselves."

Blackwell has landed the Blades job on a permanent basis after winning eight of the last 10 games.

There are still two play-off places up for grabs in the Championship table as both Watford and Crystal Palace, who are fifth and sixth, respectively, can be overtaken by Wolves, Ipswich or the Blades.

"The pressure isn't really on us because the teams in contention above us all have a better chance," said Blackwell. "At least we know that we have to send out a team that has to win, nothing else will do, so we are in a 'no lose' situation."

Blades defender Chris Lucketti, who is on loan with Southampton, has asked not to be considered for the game despite having permission to play from his permanent employers. The veteran is still under contract at Bramall Lane next season but is likely to be allowed to leave this summer.