THE first division manager of the month award will not be announced until after tomorrow's game but it is a safe bet that Blades manager Neil Warnock's name is in the frame.

And the Clarets will be hoping that the notorious curse that seems to go with the award will pre-empt the official announcement from Nationwide.

Sheffield United go into tomorrow's match at Bramall Lane on the back of an impressive 11 match unbeaten run that has seen them climb to third in the first division and reach the semi-finals of the Coca Cola Cup.

The first of the two big games against Liverpool is next week and having already accounted for Leeds United and Sunderland hopes are high that the Blades can spring another surprise.

While the Clarets have lost players from last season's squad, their rivals from across the Pennines have strengthened in all departments, possibly explaining their greatly improved form.

Former Bury keeper Paddy Kenny looks to be a bargain buy at £42,000 while Fulham defender John Harley has been a revelation on loan at left back.

In the middle of the park the experience of Stuart McCall has proved a great influence on the young players around him while the likely strike-force tomorrow is Steve Kabba and Wayne Allison.

Kabba, a tormentor of Burnley for Grimsby, joined in November while the 34-year-old Allison moved in the summer from Tranmere.

But two of the stars are young players that have been brought through the club's youth system. Phil Jagielka scored twice from midfield against Burnley last season but has been converted to right back.

Then there is teenager Michael Tonge, one of the most talked about players in the division.