Sheffield United vs Sunderland Championship Play-off Final – Promotion to the 2025-26 Premier League on the Line

Injuries, Predicted Lineups & Match Preview for the Championship Play-off Final on May 24.

Sheffield United and Sunderland are set to clash at Wembley Stadium this Saturday in the Championship play-off final. A Premier League promotional spot is hanging in the balance at the end of this clash. Hence, both teams will be determined in this match. The Blades cruised past Bristol City with an emphatic semi-final display.

Meanwhile, Sunderland edged a tense two-legged battle against Coventry City to reach this stage. Now, both teams have a chance to return to top-flight football. With Leeds United and Burnley both having secured their spots, this match will see both Sheffield United and Sunderland give their all.

On the road to Wembley? 🛣️

Drop us a selfie in the comments showing your colours, Blades! 🔴 pic.twitter.com/TdmuOY7Ipu
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) May 24, 2025

Championship Play-off Final to Decide Premier League Promotion

Sheffield United endured a dismal 2023–24 Premier League season. They finished 20th with just three wins last season and got demoted to the Championship. Now very close to a promotion again and a shot at redemption, they will not back down. The Blades destroyed Bristol City 6-0 on aggregate in the semi-finals. They appear to be hitting their stride just in time.

They finished the Championship in third place, 14 points ahead of Sunderland in fourth. It certainly underlines their consistency this season. They also have a strong away record working in their favour and an in-form playmaker Gustavo Hamer leading the charge. With all these, Chris Wilder’s side look to be firmly in the driver’s seat.

Also Read: Mohamed Salah Feels 2025 Ballon d’Or is Closest Now After Historic Season

Sheffield United Team News

Ahead of the Wembley showdown, Sheffield United remain without Ollie Arblaster. The midfielder has been sidelined since November because of a serious knee injury. Rhys Norrington-Davies is also expected to miss out. He has not featured since February because of a groin problem.

However, on the brighter side, the rest of the squad is fully fit and available for selection. Attacking duo Femi Seriki and Ben Brereton Diaz are in contention to feature prominently as United chase a swift Premier League return.

Sheffield United Probable Starting Lineup:

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

Also Read: Premier League 2024–25 Season Proved To Be a Drought-Ending Season for These 3 Teams!

Sunderland Team News

Sunderland are facing several fitness concerns heading into Saturday’s final. Forward Jayden Danns is nursing a back issue, while winger Ian Poveda is suffering from a leg injury. Both players are both ruled out for this clash. Thus, limiting attacking options for manager Regis Le Bris. There are also some doubts over Patrick Roberts.

He is nursing a calf problem that he picked up during the second leg against Coventry. Despite these setbacks, Sunderland have found timely form, with Wilson Isidor ending his goal drought in the semi-finals. He could also emerge as the key player for their side at Wembley.

Sunderland Probable Starting Lineup:

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

Championship Play-off Final

Sheffield United

Sheffield United vs Sunderland

Sunderland

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.