Sheffield United and Sunderland face off this Saturday at Wembley for promotion to the Premier League. For the Blades, the challenge carries a historical weight: the club has never managed to go up via the play-offs, accumulating eight failed attempts, including defeats in four finals: 1997, 2003, 2009 and 2012.
The Black Cats, on the other hand, are in the play-offs for the seventh time and have only won promotion once, when they beat Wycombe in the League One final three seasons ago.
Sheffield United vs Sunderland preview
Around 90,000 supporters, all bedecked in red and white stripes, will descend on Wembley on Saturday for the richest game in world football, the EFL Championship play-off Final. Each and every one of them will believe it is their club who should be in the Premier League, but only one can make it.
Sheffield United have either been promoted or relegated in five of the last eight seasons, hoping that trend continues, well for another year at least. Chris Wilder's team ended the regular season on a whopping 90 points, a tally that in most years would've seen them automatically promoted, but they were pipped to a top two finish by Leeds and Burnley, both of whom reached the 100 point mark.
Nevertheless, the Blades flexed their muscles in the semi-finals, demolishing Bristol City 6-0 on aggregate, winning 3-0 at both Ashton Gate and then Bramall Lane; Callum O'Hare on target in both legs. Following a miserable end to the regular season, this is exactly the response Wilder would've demanded, so can Sheffield United carry their free-scoring form to Wembley on Saturday?
As for Sunderland, despite finishing 14 points below their opponents, believe glory is within reach. Fair to say, the Black Cats' semi-final victory over Coventry was dramatic, first claiming a smash and grab 2-1 win in the East Midlands, thanks to goals from Wilson Isidor and then Eliezer Mayenda.
Four nights later, the Sky Blues took the lead at the Stadium of Light and, as we ticked into injury time of extra time, everyone on Wearside was braced for penalties. Well, that was until Daniel Ballard's towering, but somehow stooping, header snatched victory, sparking scenes of jubilation that are why we all love football. Régis Le Bris' side had concluded the regular season with five successive defeats, something that's completely unprecedented in play-off history, but now they believe this is their time.
Earlier in the season, the two meetings between this pair both produced narrow home wins, ending 1-0 in South Yorkshire in November and then 2-1 in the North East on New Year's Day. Expect similar in London on an afternoon defined by nerves, drama and tension and then, come full time, agony for one half of Wembley and pure ecstasy for the other. It doesn't come any bigger than this.
Sheffield United vs Sunderland head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 147.
- Sheffield United Wins: 54. Draws: 26. Sunderland Wins: 67.
Sheffield United team news
Chris Wilder is without Jamie Shackleton and Oliver Arblaster due to injury but, having had 12 days to prepare for this final, his team will be raring to go. Hamza Choudhury will continue to get the nod over Chelsea loanee Alfie Gilchrist at right-back.
Meantime, the key selection decision comes in attack. Kieffer Moore led the line and broke the deadlock during the second leg against Bristol City, so will he keep his place, with Tom Cannon in support and top-scorer Tyrese Campbell in reserve? Callum O'Hare scored off the bench during both legs of the semi-final, and is once again forecast to begin the afternoon amongst the substitutes.
Sheffield United predicted lineup vs Sunderland: (4-2-3-1): Cooper; Choudhury, Ahmedhodžić, Robinson, Burrows; Peck, Vinícius Souza, Hamer, Brooks, Cannon; Moore.
Sheffield United player to watch vs Sunderland
Gustavo Hamer took his tally to ten goals for the season last time out and, having been in the Coventry team beaten at Wembley two years ago, will be doubly determined for victory this time.
Sunderland team news
As for Régis Le Bris, he too has had plenty of preparation time, albeit Niall Huggins and Aji Alese remain sidelined long-term. Centre-back Chris Mepham had started 37 matches during the regular season, but Le Bris made the bold decision to leave him on the bench for the semi-finals, partnering Luke O'Nien with the night's hero Dan Ballard, so is forecast to do the same at Wembley.
Overall, the same lineup that started both ties against Coventry is expected, featuring Luke O'Nien, Dennis Cirkin and Patrick Roberts, who were all part of the side that beat Wycombe three years ago,
Sunderland predicted lineup vs Sheffield United: (4-4-2): Patterson; Hum, Ballard, O'Nien, Cirkin; Neil, Bellingham, Roberts, Enzo Le Fée; Mayenda, Isidor.
Sunderland player to watch vs Sheffield United
Wilson Isidor is the Black Cats' top-scorer this season with 13 Championship goals, so could he be the man to take Sunderland back to the Premier League for the first time since 2017?
Sheffield United vs Sunderland prediction
Seven of the last 12 play-off finals have finished either goalless or 1-0, with none of these matches producing more than three goals, witnessing a miserly 18 goals in total meaning, on average, a goal is scored every 65 minutes. Thus, do not tune in expecting a high-scoring thrille!. This is likely to be tight, and we are backing Sunderland to just edge it: Sheffield United 0-1 Sunderland.
Sheffield United vs Sunderland FAQs - EFL Championship play-off final
How to watch Sheffield United vs Sunderland on TV
Sheffield United vs Sunderland EFL Championship play-off final game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Sky Sports Main Event, Football and Ultra HD.
- USA: Paramount+ & CBS Sports Golazo
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Sheffield United vs Sunderland on live stream
Sheffield United vs Sunderland will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: SkyGo & NOW TV.
- USA: Paramount+ & CBS Sports Golazo
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Sheffield United vs Sunderland?
Sheffield United vs Sunderland takes place on Saturday 24 May 2025, with kick off at 15:01 (BST), 10:01 (EDT) & 7:01 (PDT).