Sheffield Utd vs Sunderland prediction: ENGLAND: Championship – Play Offs betting tips on match 2025-05-23 14:01.
[p]Often labelled the ârichest game in footballâ, the Championship play-off final sees Sheffield United and Sunderland battle it out for the right to play in the Premier League next season and reap a rumoured ÂŁ220m windfall. After brushing Bristol City aside 6-0 in their semi-final, Chris Wilderâs Sheffield United head to Wembley with momentum on their side, although they do possess a woeful record of nine play-off appearances without promotion in club history. [/p]
[p]Finishing 14 points above Sunderland, Sheffieldâs third-place finish could prove to be a boost in their quest, as the third-placed team has won the Championship play-offs in 45% of the seasons since the EFL rebrand 20 years ago. The most recent clash between these sides did see fourth-place Sunderland end a five-game losing league run against the Blades, although curiously, the losing side missed a penalty in both league H2Hs this season. [/p]
[p]Sunderland are also no strangers to play-off anguish, having only won their very first play-off campaign at the seventh attempt when escaping League One three years ago. Booking their spot at Wembley after an iconic last-gasp Dan Ballard goal in extra time against Coventry, Sunderland truly embodied their âtil the endâ message which was emblazoned on the advertising hoardings in that crucial encounter.[/p]
[p]Being the only side to lose their final five games of the regular season may feel like a lifetime ago now for RĂ©gis Le Brisâ men, who may take heart from their respectable league record against sides finishing above themselves (W2, D2, L2). Both of their victories against such sides came on home soil though, and having won none of their games away from the Stadium of Light this season against the top eight (D3, L4), the size of this task cannot be understated for Sunderland. Â [/p]
[p]Players to watch: Callum O’Hare put Sheffield United 3-0 up in both legs of their play-off semi-final and he also found the net in a 3-0 win against Sunderland while at Coventry last season. Wilson Isidor is yet to hit a brace for Sunderland despite his 13-goal haul this season, with his most recent strike putting his side ahead in the play-off semi-final first leg and another sealing victory in the latest league H2H. Nine of his 13 goals for Sunderland arrived after half-time. [/p]
[p]Hot streak: Each of the last five Championship play-off finals produced under 2.5 goals within 90 minutes. [/p]
[p][i]Written by Matthew Billon[/i][/p]