Don Goodman, a Sky Sports pundit, believes Sunderland’s Eliezer Mayenda will be a threat in the play-off final against Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
The winner will receive £220 million and a return to the Premier League. Sheffield United is the clear favourite, with a 14-point lead.
Nonetheless, the Championship is fascinating and popular for its unpredictability, and anything may happen in north-west London, especially in a one-off game.
With anticipation building for a thrilling day, Don Goodman has identified the Sunderland player he believes Sheffield United will be most focused on stopping.
Don Goodman expects Eliezer Mayenda to thrive in the play-off final.
Speaking exclusively to Football League World, commentator Don Goodman feels Sheffield United will be mindful of Eliezer Mayenda’s threat, especially after the 20-year-old shined against the Blades in their most recent encounter and the play-off semi-final.
| Eliezer Mayenda’s 24/25 Championship stats for Sunderland via FotMob | |
| Appearances | 37 |
| Starts | 22 |
| Minutes played | 2,149 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 5 |
| Chances created | 25 |
| Successful dribbles | 50 |
Goodman stated, “I believe there are a few Sunderland players who Sheffield United will have previously encountered this season and given them pain. Isidor is one, but if I had to pick only one, I’d go with Eliezer Mayenda.
“He caused them unbelievable problems at the Stadium of Light in the 2-1 win on New Year’s Day. I know they’re both set up little differently than when they played that game, but he still has the ball-carrying ability and speed to harm any defence in the Championship.
“He scored one, assisted the other as well as having one or two other chances in the play-offs against Coventry, so I’m pretty confident Sheffield United will be trying very much to stifle him.”
Eliezer Mayenda’s battle could be vital to the play-off final outcome.
Eleizer Mayenda, who is only 20, has been a creative force in this victorious Sunderland team, seizing his opportunity thanks to Regis Le Bris’ decision to start him in both play-off matches.
Mayenda’s fight off the left with Hamza Choudhury might be vital for the outcome, with the Blades sure to miss multiple chances if the Black Cats striker gets the best of his marker this weekend.
Meanwhile, if the Blades win that battle, the service to Sunderland’s attackers will inevitably dry up, giving Sheffield United the advantage in securing victory and promotion.
It’s a matchup that might have a significant impact on this tie, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out.
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