Sheffield United vs Sunderland

EFL Championship Play Off Final - Saturday 24th May 2025 - 15:00 - Wembley Stadium
Please keep all discussion related to the match within this thread.

Player Ratings:
Matchday Stats/Player Ratings - https://www.s24su.com/forum/match-day/match/sheffield-united-vs-sunderland.749/

Officials:

Referee: Chris Kavanagh
Assistants: Lee Betts and Neil Davies
Fourth Official: Peter Bankes
Reserve Assistant Referee: Wade Smith
VAR: John Brooks
Assistant VAR: Timothy Wood

Coverage:

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Live TV Coverage:

SUTV (in Unsold Markets or Non-Televised in UK): https://www.sufc.co.uk/live/

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[Uganda Blade]

Just seen the trophy on the pitch. Have to admit I didn't realise it was that big - we're gonna need a bigger trophy cabinet.

We have a trophy cabinet? What's in it?

 

[robbiez666]

It's a shame JRS isn't in the squad. I'd like to see his directness on the Wembley pitch.. Currently sharing a cage with Gilchrist in Wilder's cellar.

 

[Alex Cheeseright]

In the words of the great Bill Shankly . " Football is not a matter of life and death, it's more important than that!" Days like this makes me think he was onto something....

 

[Frank the tank]

That has to be strongest bench we've put out all season

 

[JayGreen17]

Gutted for COH

 

[The Darton Blade]

So worried starting Brewster

 

[ml1997]

Brewster starting is ridiculous. We need a direct winger (Brooks, JRS, BBD). I’d have also preferred O’Hare.

 

[JayGreen17]

Flip side, great to see 2 up top

 

[Th!stledo]

We have a trophy cabinet? What's in it?

Cobwebs and Dust.

 

[JayGreen17]

Please please please Robbo no fucking mistakes

 

[CornwallBlade]

Team announced, Moore and Campbell up front - we’re going at em

 

[Alex Cheeseright]

Just seen the trophy on the pitch. Have to admit I didn't realise it was that big - we're gonna need a bigger trophy cabinet.

I just saw it on tv too. Jeez that has to be the biggest trophy in all sports!

 

[Sportbilly /Detroit Blade]

We have a trophy cabinet? What's in it?

The Yorkshire and Humberside cup, and a collection of inflatable blades from the 80s!

 

[gooseh]

nervous times

 

[b1ade4life]

Gutted for COH

Impact from bench, winner in last 5 mins.....BOOM

 

[bonobo]

It's the team I expected. Worked well in recent games, no complaints. I guess my one concern is that Sunderland have changed their possession game recently. They maybe sitting even deeper than us. This line up has worked with us counter attacking, but we do turn the ball over a lot . Sunderland do have some pace and mobility upfront, so I can see them having some joy stretching us, Anel needs a big game. I would have had JRS rather than Cannon, I understand why he is the one to miss out, but he is a very composed finisher, doesn't need to look up or require a perfect strike to get a ball on target. If we are chasing a late goal, they could be useful qualities.

 

[robbiez666]

Interesting Sunderland team. No Roberts or Isidor.

 

[Alex Cheeseright]

Brewster starting is ridiculous. We need a direct winger (Brooks, JRS, BBD). I’d have also preferred O’Hare.

Off to the bookies to put money on Brewster scoring.

 

[Shadota]

I'd expect we'll go back to the XI that started the first leg of the semi final:

Cooper

Hamza
Anel
Robinson
Burrows

Brewster
Peck
Vini
Hamer

Campbell
Moore

Subs:

A. Davies
Holding
Seriki
McCallum
T. Davies
O'Hare
Brooks/JRS/BBD (2 out of 3)
Cannon

Those players, even before the red card, looked extremely comfortable. Solid defensively, capable of countering, adept in possession. We obviously made changes for the 2nd leg due to the luxury of having a 3 goal lead. But if it had been a closer scoreline, I reckon we'd have seen that side again at the Lane.

I think Sunderland have a greater overall threat than Bristol City did, but this XI was so incredibly strong in that first 45 mins in Bristol, that I'd be confident in them handling what Sunderland have to throw at us.

There is of course the concern of Robinson, and if he might drop a clanger at some point. But I think having the option of Moore upfield creates a simple option, where he might otherwise struggle in trying to pick out a precise pass and give up possession in a key area. JLT also has not put a foot wrong in the semi final, so he deserves to start tomorrow for me. I'm even surprising myself in saying that, as I've been as vocal in my lack of faith in him as anyone on here.

As far as the subs go, I think they mostly pick themselves. The only choice is which one of Brooks, JRS, and BBD misses out, and I think it ultimately has to be one of the former 2 (assuming BBD is fit)

We've played Brooks as a right midfielder/winger all season, and he has made some significant contributions, especially in the later games. Particularly of note is the SF 1st leg, where he came on and scored. I think he gets the edge over JRS for me as a result, as I don't think I'd have both on the bench as they are too similar, assuming other options are fit. Cannon hasn't gotten up to speed yet, so I could see a scenario where he misses out, and all 3 I've mentioned make the bench. I would be interested in seeing JRS used as the 2nd forward alongside Moore, when Campbell has to come off at the 60mins point. When he played centrally against Middlesbrough from the bench, he looked excellent. Really had their centre backs on the back foot with his dribbling. I think he could do the same thing later in the game to the Sunderland defence to great effect, if we needed it.

That was easy

 

[54yrblade]

21 county cups in there. I'm sure they can shift 'em about a bit to fit another one in?

 

[SLB]

In the words of the great Bill Shankly . " Football is not a matter of life and death, it's more important than that!" Days like this makes me think he was onto something....

Or a nutcase.

 

[ChipButtyBlade]

Please please please Robbo no fucking mistakes

 

[KOPPO]

...SHEFFIELD UNITED FC 4 SUNDERLAND FC 0..GOALS SCORED BY TOM CANNON,KIEFFER MOORE,GUSTAVO HAMER.TYRESE CAMPBELL..UTB..FORZA BLADES FOR LIFE ...

 

[Alex Cheeseright]

LET'S GO BLADES

 

[Richeee]

Remember this Blades..winning isnt everything..it is the only thing..coyraww!!

 

[ml1997]

Exceptional save. Good start.

 

[Alex Cheeseright]

Does that throw Sunderland off?

 

[gooseh]

Next door watching on a dodgy fire stick, about 2 mins behind

 

[Mendi]

Its all Sheff UTD here.

 

[gooseh]

I've got 19 bets on, bet I don't win a single on

For example,

Sheff Utd to Win Each Half & Kieffer Moore to Score a Hat-Trick
300/1