Sheffield United vs Sunderland Prediction: Sportsman Untitled panel predict play-off final

The Sportsman Untitled panel are back again this week to preview the biggest game the Championship has to offer - the play-off final.

This Saturday, Sheffield United will face Sunderland at Wembley (15:00, Sky Sports Main Event), to decide who takes that final promotion spot this season. 

Host Simon Lillibury, is joined by EFL expert Gab Sutton, Sunderland fan Jonny Hawley from the Roker Report and Oli Mann from Sheff United Way as they dissect everything to do with one of the richest games in football. 

With prize money totalling around £220m, this is not a game you want to lose and given Sheffield United’s Wembley record, they will be concerned heading into it. The Blades haven’t won at Wembley in 100 years and haven’t won any of the four play-off finals they have taken part in, but records are there to be broken. 

Meanwhile, Sunderland have been involved in the play-offs in five of the last seven seasons, winning the play-offs in League 1 back in 2021/22. It’s fair to say the end of season competition has been tough to deal with for both of these teams recently, but one of them will end the campaign as Wembley winners.

They both got here in different ways, as Sunderland overcame Coventry in dramatic fashion as Dan Ballard scored with practically the last touch of extra-time. Meanwhile, Sheffield United recorded the heaviest play-off final win we have ever seen, cruising past Bristol City 6-0 on aggregate. 

It means the Blades haven’t gone through the same emotional turmoil as the Black Cats on the way to Wembley, while the Sheffield United fans can take comfort in the fact that they finished the season with 90 points, and were by far the best team not to get automatically promoted. 

However, unfortunately for them, none of that matters as we head to the capital. On the show, Jonny, Oli and Gab give their predicted XIs and discuss the tactical battles that could decide this final. Will Gustavo Hamer score another play-off final goal or will Dan Ballard create another iconic memory for Sunderland fans?

The episode finishes with the boys discussing their combined XI for the two play-offs finalists, and obviously they have to give their score predictions as well. While checking out the video kindly 'like' and subscribe to The Sportsman, as there's plenty more Championship content coming your way over the summer and next season. 

Offers

Acca Flex: Place a pre-match 5+ leg Football accumulator and get a CASH bonus up to 100% if all of your selections win or your money back as CASH if one leg lets you down

You can read all our latest Football Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights content hub.