The72’s writers offer their Sheffield United vs Sunderland prediction ahead of the Championship play-off final on Saturday.
Sunderland and Sheffield United will compete in a winner-takes-all play-off final on Saturday afternoon. It all comes down to this for SAFC and the Blades, who will be determined to cap off their successful seasons with Wembley triumph.
The Black Cats have been out of the Premier League for eight years now. They have struggled for eight years, including five seasons in League One following back-to-back relegations.
The 2024/25 season has been a breath of fresh air for Sunderland fans, as their young team has been a delight to watch. If they can get over the finish line, it will be a monument to the club’s turnaround over the last few years.
Sheffield United will ultimately believe they deserve to win this game. The Blades finished third, 14 points ahead of Sunderland in fourth, and pushed Leeds United and Burnley for automatic promotion for much of the season until succumbing at a critical juncture.
Chris Wilder’s team fought for the top two spot until the season’s final month. SUFC has had a fantastic year and hopes to return to the Premier League as soon as possible.
There was possibly disappointment with how the automatic promotion bid faltered. However, Wilder and his team have gone on a massive reconstruction over the course of the season, and it has been an admirable effort to get themselves in this position.
Here are some of our writers’ predictions for the game.
Charlie Hodgson
“Sunderland have very little pressure on them ahead of this game. They got to the final in the most dramatic fashion, and they are very much the underdogs having punched above their weight to make it into the play-offs in the first place.
“On the other hand, Sheffield United have the majority of the pressure on them. The Blades know that they are the better side on paper and have several quality players who can be difference makers on the big stage at Wembley.
“With all that said, I just have a feeling Sunderland come through at Wembley. They suit playing the better sides, and the game could just swing towards them, especially if they defend how they did under the cosh against Coventry City.”
James Ray
“This is such a hard game to call.
“I don’t think there are many out there who will argue Sunderland are stronger in terms of the personnel within their squad. Sheffield United have players who have tested themselves in the Premier League and played in these big games, and with an experienced boss in Chris Wilder at the helm too, they will hope their pedigree shines through.
“However, the dramatic fashion in which SAFC won the semi-final against Coventry City makes it feel as though they might’ve just got over their play-off hoodoo. The Blades are yet to prove they can do so, and it might play on their minds.
“In terms of mentality, the Black Cats might be in the stronger position. That said though, I think the star power of Sheffield United might just get them through in dramatic circumstances.”
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