Blades launch survival bid

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The Blades are hoping to successfully claim that West Ham should have been docked points by an independent commission for including third-party agreements when they signed Tevez and Javier Mascherano, contrary to Premier League rules.

The League are confident no such ruling will emerge from the arbitration tribunal because the three-man panel's main role is to see whether the correct disciplinary procedures were followed.

The panel however can order a new disciplinary hearing against West Ham, or order that some compensation be paid to Sheffield United.

Retired High Court judge Sir Philip Otton is chairing the arbitration tribunal hearing, which is expected to last two days, with David Pannick QC representing the Blades and leading barrister Nicholas Randall acting for the Premier League.

The Premier League's confidence was reflected in their decision to publish next season's fixture list last week on the basis that the Blades will be in the Coca-Cola Championship next season.

Sheffield United plc chairman Kevin McCabe however has expressed his confidence of a result in their favour.

He said: "We have a compelling case that's based upon an irrational decision given by the first independent commission that was set up. We would not have pursed going to arbitration unless we thought we would win."

He said no appeal against the panel's decision would be made "unless there are points that come out through the arbitration that are worth pursuing".