Sheffield United vs Sunderland predictions: Blades can return to the big time
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- Sheffield United have kept clean sheets in four of their last six matches
- Sunderland have won only one of their last nine fixtures
- Recommended bet: Sheffield United to win
The riches of the Premier League are one step away for Sheffield United and Sunderland, who are preparing to do battle in a typically high stakes Championship play-off final.
United had planned to go up via the more conventional route and were top of the table with just seven games left.
However, they suffered an early April slump — losing three on the spin — and finished 10 points adrift of the top two.
Chris Wilder’s side had every reason to be dispirited but they excelled in their play-off semi-final against Bristol City — winning 6-0 on aggregate — and should be full of confidence.
Sunderland’s semi-final against Coventry was a white knuckle ride which was ultimately settled by Dan Ballard’s stooping header in the final stages of extra-time.
Team news
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Femi Seriki and Ben Brereton were thought to be on the comeback trail but neither made the squad for the semi-final, second leg against Bristol City.
However, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi came off the bench against the Robins and is pushing to play a more prominent role.
Ollie Arblaster and Rhys Norrington-Davies are long-term absentees.
Sunderland trio Aji Alese, Jenson Seelt and Ian Poveda are expected to miss the final but Romaine Mundle is likely to be involved after coming off the bench in the semi-final, second leg against Coventry.
Chris Rigg made cameo appearances against Coventry and is an option if Regis Le Bris opts to return to a one striker setup.
The stats
United have won three of their last four matches without conceding a goal.
The Blades have scored in each of their last seven fixtures.
Each of United’s last nine matches have featured fewer than four goals.
Sunderland have lost five of their last seven matches.
The Black Cats failed to score in five of their last six league games of the campaign.
Eight of Sunderland’s last 10 games have generated less than three goals.
Prediction
United finished 14 points higher than Sunderland in the Championship standings and can show their quality at Wembley by winning without the need of extra-time.
The Blades went through a rough patch last month but excelled against Bristol City, who were well beaten in both legs of their semi-final.
Sunderland adopted a very different strategy against Coventry, choosing to defend deep and wait for moments to exploit on the counter-attack.
They rode their luck against the Sky Blues, but are unlikely to be as fortunate against Wilder’s side, who look overpriced for a top-flight return.
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