Biggest Steel derby since Wembley

With only three games still to play, the Owls are locked in a battle for Championship survival and cannot afford to lose to arch-rivals Sheffield United.

Relegation to League One would have an inevitable impact on negotiations between the club and Chicago-based Club 9 Sports ahead of a proposed investment deal this summer.

Strafford, appointed Owls chairman 15 months ago, said: "The importance of this weekend's match against Sheffield United cannot be overstated. We are now in a position in which we may have to win our final three games of the season to guarantee Championship status. Everybody at the club will be giving their all to make this possible.

"There has not been a Steel City derby with more importance attached to it since Wednesday took on United (in the FA Cup semi-finals) at Wembley in 1993," he said. "And, if we win this match, it could be the most momentous match in Sheffield since Boxing Day 1979 (when the Owls defied the odds to beat Blades 4-0)."

Blades manager Kevin Blackwell was also underlining the importance of the fixture yesterday by showing his players footage from previous derbies.

At least nine of the 18 players in Blackwell's matchday squad have not played in the encounter – and only five who started the September fixture at Bramall Lane could play Sunday.

"We have a load of new players and I have to get them to understand how big this game is," said Blackwell "A large number have not got a clue what they are going to be up against.

"Let them understand that families here will be tormented if they lose, that some won't be able to walk out of the door. That's what it means to people in Sheffield and you have to put together an analogy that the players can understand.

"I could not care less about Sheffield Wednesday or any other club because I do not get paid by them," he added. "That doesn't mean I don't respect Wednesday and (manager) Alan Irvine in particular. I don't know whether they will stay up or not but Alan has done a good job. It is what is right for Sheffield United that matters to me."

The Blades won for the first time in six games against Coventry at the weekend but remain seven points adrift of the play-off zone and unlikely to win promotion.

Reflecting on the changes in personnel that have been forced on him over the last few months, Blackwell said: "It will be a completely different side to the corresponding fixture and that is a frightening problem.

"We are in desperate trouble with injuries and squad numbers but this is our biggest game of the season and I have got to try to get lads out there in good shape to compete.

"It's been a phenomenal achievement just getting where we are this season but this game stands on its own merits. When you have been in Yorkshire and Sheffield long enough, you know what this game means."

Blackwell is looking to extend the loan signing of goalkeeper Steve Simonsen from Stoke so he can play against the Owls.

Simonsen's existing deal expires on Thursday and first-choice Paddy Kenny is not available until the next game against Swansea City after serving a nine-month ban.

If Simonsen returns to Stoke, however, Blackwell will have to turn to veteran goalkeeper Ian Bennett who has played just a handful of games this season.

Just over 5,000 tickets are still available for Sunday's game at Hillsborough. It is not being televised and is likely to be a 36,000 sell-out.

Strafford said: "Every extra Wednesdayite's voice we have at Hillsborough can make a positive impact on our club's fortunes and you can all play a part in what could be a key moment in this club's recent history.

"I am sure that every Wednesday supporter will want to make a difference and the best way they can do that is by coming down to Hillsborough on Sunday.

"I am confident that our goal of survival is within the players' capabilities," he added. "But we have to give our team every support to ensure that they can achieve on the pitch."

THEN AND NOW

Blades' line-up against the Owls, Sept 18 2009

Bunn (left)

Morgan

Davies (left)

Taylor

Walker (left)

Treacy (left)

Montgomery

Harper

Ward (inj)

Evans (inj)

Henderson

Blades' likely line-up against the Owls this Sunday

Simonsen

Connolly

Nosworthy

Morgan

Taylor

Little

Montgomery

Harper

Quinn

Cresswell

Henderson