With the Blades doing the double over the Tykes last season, on paper it would seem that United should grab the 3 points due to claming two victories over them last season. But Barnsley's recent run of good form has maybe hit United at the wrong time.
Dayvey said: "This will be our toughest derby game so far. When you look at Sheffield United they are financially in a better position than the other Yorkshire teams; they have just come out of the Premier League; have the squad to match and they are highest in the table. This will be our biggest test but, on current form, we will be United's biggest test as well.
"It will be tough for both teams. We are on a great run and United have some great players. When you look at their squad, finances and stature then you have to admit that they should be challenging at the top end of the table come the end of the season. It will be a big test.
"We will prepare in exactly the same way. We will work on the opposition and on what we will do to hurt them. Things will be no different because it is a local derby. The only difference is that there will be more people in the stadium and it will be a lot noisier.
"We have to get off to a good start and put them under pressure. We want to be the dominant team in the opening stages and get an early goal. Derbies are all about passion."