Sheffield United v Blackburn Rovers: Chris Wilder casts aside fight 'nonsense' - plus summer admission

While the league table suggests this Roses clash has more importance for the visitors, who are fighting for their lives at the bottom end of the Championship, Wilder has his own motivations.

They have nothing to do with Oxford United, one of his former clubs, who are entrenched in the relegation fight with Rovers.

Wilder said: "I've said to the players I'm not going along with any of that nonsense, that their (Blackburn's) fight is bigger than ours. Our fight is huge.

"If we come off the pitch on Wednesday night and people talk about: 'they wanted it more (with) their position and where they are and what's at stake for them'—what's at stake for us in every game is to produce a performance and play as well as we possibly can."

United are seeking a third consecutive league win for the first time since late November; this is the only other time they achieved this in a disappointing season.

It at least backs up Wilder's argument that his players have plenty of drive and are not clocking off for the campaign.

He continued: "We've talked about a big finish and what we want it to look like towards the end of the season, going into the Derby game.

"It's really important we finish the season strong individually and as a team. I'd love to climb into the top ten.

"Ultimately from my point of view, the dream of when we walked back in, we're not going to achieve (play-offs). Obviously, it was long odds on that one. I think no team would have ever done that from the position we were in at the start."

Femi Seriki should be in contention, despite feeling unwell during last weekend's 2-0 triumph at Watford.

A few other players have been also been feeling under the weather over the past few days and will be assessed.

It promises to be a big summer overhaul at Bramall Lane, with Wilder acknowledging that some star players could leave - amid renewed reports linking key duo Gus Hamer and Sydie Peck with moves away.

With United's parachute payments ending in the close season, recouping some revenue will be imperative.

The Blades boss acknowledged: "If we have to sell a player or two, then we will do so as long as we don't give them away. That's my take on it. We have to raise money.

"I'm okay with that. But we can't develop these players and just let them go for nothing. We can't buy players and let them go cheaply or not at a price where we don't think it's the right price for us.

"We're in a situation where the majority of clubs in this division have to recoup. You've all seen the numbers.

"I work in tandem with Steve Bettis and the owners to do what's right for the football club in the short, medium and long term.

"But we're hopeful that we keep the majority of our players and if we have to sell and the price is right, we'll do that."