Sheffield United opposition view: '˜Blades are top on merit under a great manager' says Derby County boss Frank Lampard

Chris Wilder's table-topping Blades face their latest Championship challenge this weekend when they face Lampard's Rams at Pride Park in a Sky-televised fixture.

And, ahead of the game, both Lampard and Rams star Craig Bryson praised United, with the pair agreeing that the Blades' league position is no fluke.

'Sheffield United are a great example of a team that has a certain way of playing and has been doing it for years now,' Lampard said in his pre-match press conference, reported by the Derby Telegraph.

'We are more of a work in progress - nine new players, a lot of youth and a change in the way we are playing. They are playing fantastically well.

'They've got a great manager and great style of play. Their brand of football has been brilliant and they are top on merit. They will come here full of confidence.'

'Collectively, we will have to be on it,' the former England international added.

'If we are, we can match anybody in this league. We're at home, we have great support from our fans. We need to use that in our favour.'