Sheffield United predicted XI v Sunderland: Cannon, Holding benched, 2 changes
Sheffield United are eyeing an immediate return to the Premier League, as they head to Wembley to take on Sunderland in the play-off final.
The Blades finished 3rd in the Championship behind Burnley and Leeds, missing out on automatic promotion to the top flight by ten points.
In their play-off semi-final, Sheffield United beat Bristol City 3-0 in the first leg, in what was an impressive display at Ashton Gate.
City captain Rob Dickie was sent off for a last-man challenge on Kieffer Moore, with the Robins never recovering from the set back.
The second leg was a similar story, as Chris Wilder’s side dominated again, and clinched another 3-0 win to guarantee their place at Wembley.
Campbell to start over Cannon
Wilder effectively has a fully fit squad to choose from, going into what is dubbed as the ‘most expensive game in world football’.
The winner will receive an estimated £200million in extra revenue, as a result of the TV money handed out in the Premier League.
Michael Cooper will play in goal for the Blades, with Harrison Burrows and Hamza Choudhury at full-back.
In the centre of defence, Crystal Palace loanee Rob Holding looks set to miss out, with Anel Ahmedhodzic and Jack Robinson preferred by Wilder.
Gustavo Hamer, who has been linked with Everton, has been one of the players of the season in the Championship, and he will start on the left with Vini Souza and Sydie Peck in the centre of the park.
Wilder opted for a 4-4-2 formation in the semi-finals against Bristol City, and will likely utilise the same system at Wembley, with Rhian Brewster on the right-hand side.
Moore has hit form at just the right time for the Sheffield side, and will either be partnered by Tyrese Campbell or Tom Cannon.
It would not be a surprise to see either one start, and whoever doesn’t make the starting lineup will be used off the bench, but Wilder probably favours Campbell slightly more.
Sheffield United massive favourites
Sheffield United finished the season 14 points clear of fourth-place Sunderland, and go into the final as massive favourites to reach the Premier League.
In their semi-final against Bristol City, the Blades looked far superior to their opposition and really sent out a message with their performances in both legs.
However, Sunderland are on a high after Dom Ballard’s last-minute winner secured a dramatic aggregate win over Coventry.
It will not be an easy task against Regis Le Bris’ side, but Sheffield United will have the belief that they can turn up on the day, and use their undoubted quality advantage to overcome the passion of the Black Cats.
If they don’t, Chris Wilder’s side will be preparing for a second season in the Championship.
Missing out on promotion would be a hefty blow and could mean that Sheffield United risk losing a number of star players over the course of the summer.