By Saj Chowdhury

Sparks may fly between Mourinho and Ferguson

Any manager faced with the prospect of pitting his team against Manchester United and Chelsea knows, more often than not, they are on a hiding to nothing.

Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock is one of them.

The Blades, who returned to the top flight this season after a 12-year absence, played both title rivals in the last month, going into the games with hope but coming away with nothing.

Warnock's men made the Premiership giants work hard but the gulf in class was more than apparent.

This Sunday, Sir Alex Ferguson's league leaders face Jose Mourinho's chasing pack, and having witnessed how good the two heavyweights are, Warnock reckons the crunch match will be too close to call.

I don't think it'll be a great game because there's too much at stake Blades boss Neil Warnock

"It'll be an intriguing contest," Warnock told BBC Sport.

"They're the two top teams in the country and having battled against them over the last few weeks, we know how good they are.

"Just look at the results they've both had this season - it can't be rivalled.

"There will be pressure on both teams on Sunday. United, because they're ahead by three points and coming off the back of the Celtic defeat, and Chelsea, because they're the pre-season favourites and are now having to chase.

"If I was a betting man I wouldn't put money on either of them, I'd keep my cash in my pocket."

Warnock said it was almost impossible to place one team above the other, believing that the contrasting styles of Ferguson's Red Devils and Mourinho's Blues cancel each other out.

"Chelsea are probably more solid but less enterprising whereas Manchester United are entertaining and the type of team everybody wants to watch," he added.

"To be blunt, I don't think it'll be a great game because there's too much at stake.

"Hopefully, we won't see United play negative football in order to get the result.

"If they do attack it'll be interesting to see whether Chelsea can catch them on the break and also defend well enough."

He added: "I don't think the title race will be decided this weekend that's why I think it'll be a draw."