EFL Championship play-off final

May 24, 2025 at 3.01pm UK

Wembley Stadium

Sheff Utd vs Sunderland

Match preview

After finishing 20th in the Premier League in the 2023–24 season, collecting just 16 points and winning only three games all year, Sheffield United are now just one victory away from another shot at the top flight. The Yorkshire-based club has hit form at just the right time.

Heavily favoured to win their semi-final against Bristol City earlier this month, the Blades demonstrated their superiority by winning both legs 3-0, achieving a six-goal aggregate victory and securing their place in the final.

Based on the regular season, Sheffield United deserve the final Premier League spot next campaign, having finished a comfortable third in the Championship table this term, 14 points ahead of this weekend's opponents, Sunderland, in fourth.

Travelling to the home of English football on Saturday afternoon, United will be feeling confident, especially considering their impressive away record. Only Scott Parker's Burnley earned more points than the Blades' 43 on the road in 2024–25.

Gustavo Hamer, a man for the big occasion with a penchant for moments of individual genius, will be looking to have a telling impact on Saturday's playoff final, having scored 10 goals and provided seven assists for Sheffield United in the second tier.

Having last competed in the glamour of the Premier League during the 2016–17 campaign, North East giants Sunderland are looking to make amends following their painful eight-year absence from the top table of English football. During this period, they dropped down into League One for four seasons.

The Black Cats had to work hard to reach the semi-final, where they faced Frank Lampard's Coventry. The contest went to extra time in the second leg, thanks to a goal from Ephron Mason-Clark. However, the hosts at the Stadium of Light had the last laugh when Dan Ballard headed home the winner in the 122 minute.

Having all but secured their spot in the top six months ago, Sunderland concluded their regular season with a whimper, losing five matches in a row. However, the North East outfit performed well in the semi-final, remaining unbeaten across both legs against the Sky Blues.

Regis Le Bris is loved at the Stadium of Light, despite being hated by large sections of Lorient supporters following relegation to Ligue 2 last season. He now has the opportunity to become an icon by restoring the Black Cats to the Premier League after a heartbreaking hiatus.

Several Sunderland players are poised to peak at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon, including French striker Wilson Isidor, who was instrumental and scored against Coventry earlier this month, ending a run of 13 Championship appearances without a goal.

Recent Performance

Sheffield United Championship form:WLWDWW

Sunderland Championship form:LLLLWD

Team News

Sheffield United will still be without Ollie Arblaster, who picked up a serious knee injury at the start of November.

Last included in a matchday squad in February for the clash with Luton Town, Rhys Norrington-Davies (groin injury) is not expected to feature at Wembley this weekend.

Apart from the aforementioned duo, the Blades are fit, so expect Ben Brereton Díaz and Femi Seriki to play a part in the contest in the capital.

Sunderland's medical room is pretty full ahead of Saturday's winner-takes-all clash, with Jayden Danns's (back) and Ian Poveda's (leg) absences limiting options in attacking areas.

The Black Cats are also anxious about the fitness of winger Patrick Roberts, who was struggling with a calf injury during the second leg against Coventry.

Possible starting lineup

Sheffield United possible starting lineup:

Cooper; Choudhury, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Burrows; O'Hare, Peck, De Souza Costa, Hamer; Cannon, Moore

Sunderland possible starting lineup:

Patterson; Hume, Ballard, O'Nien, Cirkin; Roberts, Neil, Bellingham, Le Fee; Isidor, Mayenda