The Owls took the bragging rights in January with a 2-0 home win, thanks to goals from Akpo Sodje and Marcus Tudgay, with the Blades' reverse coming in the final throes of the Bryan Robson era.

The rematch at Bramall Lane saw Wednesday race into a 2-0 lead through Adam Bolder, with the blue-and-white half of the city eyeing a first derby double since 1913-14.

But an own goal from Richard Wood and a late James Beattie strike salvaged a point for United and some modicum of pride.

That said, the Blades will need no motivation to do much better at their old enemy next Sunday following their pitiful showing in front of a cheesed-off 7,000 United fans early in the New Year.

And the portents are set fair for a cracker, with the Owls having lost just once in their past 14 home matches, the defeat coming on March 4 against champions West Brom.

The Blades are also in good heart following a hat-trick of victories ahead of the international break.

Grant said: "It's an unbelievable game. I've played in a couple of Derby versus Forest games and they are very similar.

"Both are really intense, pressure-cooker games with form going out of the window.

"We're really looking forward to it. Last year was great because we managed to come out of both games without having lost.

"And to get a clean sheet and for us to win at home was great. We're at home again and if we can match that this season, we'll be very happy because they are a strong side.

"But they will come here very confident and are another side who have got some very good players with a few quid behind them.

"I'm sure they'll be looking to put last season to rights. They'll probably still be upset and no doubt their gaffer will have them wound up."

American defender Frank Simek made his long-awaited return for the Owls on Tuesday, appearing for the reserves in their 4-0 victory over Bradford City.

Simek managed to play the first 45 minutes before being substituted, his first action since suffering ankle ligament damage in the game at Crystal Palace just before last Christmas.

The 23-year-old has refused to set a target for his first-team comeback and is expected to feature in another reserve-team game this week before being assessed by Owls boss Brian Laws and his management team.