Aidy scrap won't be pretty, warns Warnock

Sheffield, pre-season favourites for the drop, are entering uncharted territory because of the widespread assumption that they will extend their two-point safety cushion by completing the double over Aidy Boothroyd's relegated outfit.

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But Warnock believes it is too close to call' in anticipating a repeat of the unsightly scrap that saw the Blades grind out a 1-0 win at Vicarage Road in November.

He said: "We will have to make sure there is no red mist. We don't want any disciplinary problems — but we've got a good record in that area this year."

It's Warnock's way of warning that, despite having their fate sealed, Boothroyd's abrasive side will have a score to settle.

"They can relax but they'll also want to show us that they should be in our position with the chance of staying up," said the Blades boss, whose admiration for his opposite number suggests a recognition of a kindred spirit.

"Aidy has stayed positive throughout. He's handled himself well and I can see some good times coming back for him. It's when managers experience lows that they become better.

"Because of the circumstances, this is our most difficult game of the season, the hardest of the three we have left. It's the only game the pundits will expect us to win.

"The away game with Watford was the worst one we had this season and I don't expect this to be much better.

"We tend to cancel each other out. It won't be a nice game, they're never very entertaining when we play Watford, who we haven't beaten here for a number of years."

But Warnock, whose side visit Aston Villa before winding up with a home game with Wigan, believes Sheffield have the mental strength to see the job through.

He added: "We've surprised a few people and the players have got to grips with the Premiership. They've realised it's not all it's meant to be. I feel we can be a better team next season, which is why it is so important to hang in there.

"When people write us off we tend to rebound. We've only been outclassed in three or four games."

One of Warnock's more exacting efforts has been to confound his critics by avoiding any brushes with referees or the FA.

"People expected me to be in a lot of trouble but I feel I've handled it well.

"Usually, it's been a case of 'moaning Warnock' but I don't get into trouble now because the referees are better at this level."