Sheffield United vs Sunderland tips and predictions: Blades and Black Cats brawl for Premier League promotion

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Sheffield United state of play 

Chris Wilder’s side are no strangers to promotion, having played in the Premier League in three of their last five seasons. 

Each of the Blades’ last two promotions have seen them secure a top-two finish, therefore avoiding the emotional turmoil of the play-offs, but United finished a wide 10 points behind the sides occupying first and second this time around.

Still, they head to Wembley unbeaten in five of their last six league outings and have also won each of their last two on away soil without conceding a goal. 

Sunderland state of play 

Sunderland have been through the ringer since their relegation from the Premier League back in 2017.

Back-to-back relegations reduced them to League One status and made the wait for a potential top-flight return longer than most in the North-East anticipated. 

Nevertheless, they remain one win away from re-establishing themselves at English football’s top table, providing they can find a way past Wilder and co on Saturday afternoon. 

A 2-1 home win over the Blades in January will certainly lift their spirits, though two of their last three games on the road have ended in defeat for Regis Le Bris’ side. 

Key talking point: Can the Black Cats penetrate the sturdy Sheffield United backline?

Only three sides scored more goals in the Championship this season than Sheffield United, but Wilder’s crop also excelled in defensive quarters. 

With just 36 goals across their 48 outings, averaging 0.75 per match, the Blades head to Wembley having kept clean sheets in exactly 50% of their Championship outings. 

In fact, it was only Burnley and Leeds in the promotion picture to have conceded less goals, which may make for ominous reading for those associated with the Black Cats. 

Sunderland failed to score in exactly one-third of their matches away from the Stadium of Light and also travel to London with their main goal scoring threat currently enduring a barren run.

Striker Wilson Isidor may have 13 strikes to his name so far in the Championship, but hasn’t found the back of the net since February 17 in 2-1 loss at Elland Road. 

The Black Cats also failed to score in five of their six matches prior to their play-off tie with Coventry, while Sheffield United come into this one having kept back-to-back clean sheets on their travels. 

FIRST’s top tip for Sheffield United vs Sunderland

Sunderland’s troubles in front of goal, coupled with Sheffield United’s greater experience at securing promotion, makes backing Chris Wilder’s side to win here a sensible pick.

Pick: Sheffield United to win - 11/8 (Ladbrokes/Coral)

Extra tips

Having already outlined Sheffield United’s impressive clean sheet record, backing them to keep another at an odds-against price looks worthy of a punt.

Under 0.5 Sunderland goals - 6/4 (Spreadex)

Blades striker Kieffer Moore has already averaged three shots per 90 so far according to FotMob, yet also comes in odds-against to continue this theme on Saturday.

Kieffer Moore over 2.5+ shots - 21/20 (Ladbrokes)

Team news

Sheffield United head to the capital with a fully fit squad to choose from which will surely boost their chances of returning to the top-flight once again. 

The same cannot be said of Sunderland, who may have to contend without winger Romaine Mundle following a hamstring injury he picked up ahead of the play-off semi-final meeting with Coventry. 

Winger Patrick Roberts is also being monitored ahead of kick-off due to a minor calf injury, though there is some hope centre-back Aji Alese may return to the squad after missing four months with a fractured leg.  

Sheffield United vs Sunderland predicted line-ups

Sheffield United: Cooper; Choudhury, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Burrows; Brooks, Peck, Souza, Hamer; Cannon, Moore.

Sunderland: Patterson; Hume, Ballard, O’Nien, Cirkin; Roberts, Neil, Bellingham, Le Fee; Mayenda, Isidor. 

Form guide (all competitions)

Sheffield United: WLLLWLWDWW

Sunderland: WWDLLLLLWD

Odds correct at the time of writing.