Sunderland vs Sheffield United

EFL Championship Matchweek 25 - Wednesday 1st January 2025 - 20:00 - Stadium of Light
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/sunderland-vs-sheffield-united.722/

Officials:

Referee: Matthew Donohue
Assistants: Paul Hodskinson and Richard Woodward
Fourth Official: Dale Baines

Coverage:

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​

 

[Aston max]

Happy new year

 

[ChipButtyBlade]

 

[jt64]

Take point now

 

[MBH]

Take point now

as a Sunderland supporter I've predicted a score draw.

If Sheffield United win it will be our first defeat at home this season and it will be our first back to back defeat of the season. Could happen and we seem happy enough recently coming from behind to get something from games late on - so if you are winning with say 5 or so minutes to go - hang on to your hat.

It could be a game built for Moore and given that we have only kept 1 clean sheet in the last 10 league games I think it's predictable enough to suggest that SU will score at some point. Score 2 though and thats probably game over.

Both teams have loads of injuries - no Rigg, no Watson - for example for us - 10 injured players - which will hurt us more than you.

However we are a pretty resilient side so I've no need to be so negative. We are 4rth for a reason - but if we do lose then rather than look up at the top 3 we will, for the first time this season, start to look down and our aim may change from an outside chance at the top 2 (20 games still to go - a lot of points to play for - and lots can happen) to making sure we cement a play off place, which is a more realistic aim for us. If we win then we continue our chase for the top 3 but so far thats been a forlorn chase...it's proven to be just out of reach.

We desperately need bodies back.

However I'll stick with 1 v 1 and SU to score first.

Player to watch - Bellingham - not just saying it because of his brother but Jobe is probably our POTS so far and is shaping up to be an excellent footballer. Be interesting too see when his parents pull the trigger and he leaves - which of course we all know is coming at some point. Runs and plays exactly like his brother and has come on leaps and bounds since last season. He is a genuine talent, will outgrow SAFC and will go on to bigger and better things - like Rigg.

Poor weather forecast, so if you are going you can expect the North East to be even colder than normal!!

 

[Blademan18891889]

as a Sunderland supporter I've predicted a score draw.

If Sheffield United win it will be our first defeat at home this season and it will be our first back to back defeat of the season. Could happen and we seem happy enough recently coming from behind to get something from games late on - so if you are winning with say 5 or so minutes to go - hang on to your hat.

It could be a game built for Moore and given that we have only kept 1 clean sheet in the last 10 league games I think it's predictable enough to suggest that SU will score at some point. Score 2 though and thats probably game over.

Both teams have loads of injuries - no Rigg, no Watson - for example for us - 10 injured players - which will hurt us more than you.

However we are a pretty resilient side so I've no need to be so negative. We are 4rth for a reason - but if we do lose then rather than look up at the top 3 we will, for the first time this season, start to look down and our aim may change from an outside chance at the top 2 (20 games still to go - a lot of points to play for - and lots can happen) to making sure we cement a play off place, which is a more realistic aim for us. If we win then we continue our chase for the top 3 but so far thats been a forlorn chase...it's proven to be just out of reach.

We desperately need bodies back.

However I'll stick with 1 v 1 and SU to score first.

Player to watch - Bellingham - not just saying it because of his brother but Jobe is probably our POTS so far and is shaping up to be an excellent footballer. Be interesting too see when his parents pull the trigger and he leaves - which of course we all know is coming at some point. Runs and plays exactly like his brother and has come on leaps and bounds since last season. He is a genuine talent, will outgrow SAFC and will go on to bigger and better things - like Rigg.

Poor weather forecast, so if you are going you can expect the North East to be even colder than normal!!

Think you'll win quite convincingly tbh, you were far far better than us at bramall lane until the red. And now we have basically 5 of our best players of the season missing. Be a good day out though, that's the main thing.

 

[jt64]

as a Sunderland supporter I've predicted a score draw.

Poor weather forecast, so if you are going you can expect the North East to be even colder than normal!!

I'm not, but good luck!

 

[MBH]

Think you'll win quite convincingly tbh, you were far far better than us at bramall lane until the red. And now we have basically 5 of our best players of the season missing. Be a good day out though, that's the main thing.

To even it up Rigg and Watson - who was outstanding for us that night - still baffled why he was taken off late on - wont be playing.

We have a very poor recent record against SU; must be well over a decade since we beat you at home - although we might not have played against you loads given our implosion (again) and subsequent spell in League 1.

 

[Keen Blade]

Wilder looks devastated by the loss of Souttar and Souza is a doubt.
If he sets up 352 for another 0-0 like at Leeds & Boro , we'll get a thrashing.

He needs to instill some positivity into the team and the senior players have to lead by example.

I hope the entire squad has rested well on the 2 intervening days between the games , coz they looked totally knackered on Sunday.

 

[robbiez666]

Very happily take a draw from this.

 

[Edgar Allan Poo]

The Christmas break has brought a run of tough games against promotion rivals in quick succession. Going to need to dig deep to get a result from this one!

COYRAWW!

 

[The Crab]

as a Sunderland supporter I've predicted a score draw.

If Sheffield United win it will be our first defeat at home this season and it will be our first back to back defeat of the season. Could happen and we seem happy enough recently coming from behind to get something from games late on - so if you are winning with say 5 or so minutes to go - hang on to your hat.

It could be a game built for Moore and given that we have only kept 1 clean sheet in the last 10 league games I think it's predictable enough to suggest that SU will score at some point. Score 2 though and thats probably game over.

Both teams have loads of injuries - no Rigg, no Watson - for example for us - 10 injured players - which will hurt us more than you.

However we are a pretty resilient side so I've no need to be so negative. We are 4rth for a reason - but if we do lose then rather than look up at the top 3 we will, for the first time this season, start to look down and our aim may change from an outside chance at the top 2 (20 games still to go - a lot of points to play for - and lots can happen) to making sure we cement a play off place, which is a more realistic aim for us. If we win then we continue our chase for the top 3 but so far thats been a forlorn chase...it's proven to be just out of reach.

We desperately need bodies back.

However I'll stick with 1 v 1 and SU to score first.

Player to watch - Bellingham - not just saying it because of his brother but Jobe is probably our POTS so far and is shaping up to be an excellent footballer. Be interesting too see when his parents pull the trigger and he leaves - which of course we all know is coming at some point. Runs and plays exactly like his brother and has come on leaps and bounds since last season. He is a genuine talent, will outgrow SAFC and will go on to bigger and better things - like Rigg.

Poor weather forecast, so if you are going you can expect the North East to be even colder than normal!!

If I’m honest I’d take a draw

 

[ancientblade]

dont fancy this one at all especially with all our injuries cant see anything but a sunderland victory a point would be a fantastic result imo

 

[Argentinemanager]

A very tough game coming up, arnt they all, need to be solid and no fcking about trying new tacticks play front foot football and let them know we are here, hope to win expect a draw

 

[Sheffsteel]

Normally quite optimistic regards pre-match predictions but Sunderland will be well up for this game.
They'll be desperate for revenge after recently losing a tight game 1-0 to us the other week.

They also lost with a last minute goal conceded away at Stoke at the weekend, so again will be desperate to bounce back.
Also due to injuries we're struggling to put out a team
and losing Souttar was a massive blow.....we're having to rely on last seasons centre half pairing that conceded 100 goals.

My prediction, Sunderland 2 Blades 0 (hope I'm wrong)

I expect Wilder to park the bus hoping for a 0-0 draw and to be honest I'd be delighted and really surprised with a draw.

 

[Roygbiv]

Be surprised if we get anything in the next 2. Not only are we missing players but the ones we do have are clearly knackered and playing too many minutes. Just hope we come out of the next 2 unscathed and go again after the cup game. We shouldn't lose our heads if things go against us and we lose ground over this week. It's all about getting players back and bringing in new signings to regroup before Norwich

 

[toledo]

I'll take a draw from this game for sure at this point.

Happy New Year to everyone from here in cold and wet Ohio,

toledo\

 

[Cappy]

Sunderland forum has a thread on it keeping track of the tickets sold (they can see exact numbers) and it's looking like it may even sell out except the corner next to away fans, which isn't on sale 40k+

 

[MBH]

Not sure reading this forum and ours that either sets of fans is particularly confident. I put that down to loads of injuries on both sides and recent form/results.

 

[MBH]

Sunderland forum has a thread on it keeping track of the tickets sold (they can see exact numbers) and it's looking like it may even sell out except the corner next to away fans, which isn't on sale 40k+

Normally SAFC would get approaching 45k for the festive home game but the weather is looking poor so it may end up around 41k.

Edit - raining up here now - miserable day. Worse expected tomorrow so if you are coming up - safe journey.

 

[Silent Blade]

Be surprised if we get anything in the next 2. Not only are we missing players but the ones we do have are clearly knackered and playing too many minutes. Just hope we come out of the next 2 unscathed and go again after the cup game. We shouldn't lose our heads if things go against us and we lose ground over this week. It's all about getting players back and bringing in new signings to regroup before Norwich

Got a text from my Watford mate who isnt sure about going to the match on Saturday. He said "Three points for you". I replied that I am not sure about this as we have players injured and we missed some of the key players in the last 2 games.

 

[McGrath]

I am going to probably get some disagreement here, but I'd like to see 90.minutes of hoofing the ball onto Kieffer Moores head

 

[3Cheers4Ramirez]

Cooper
Gilchrist Anel Robinson Burrows
Peck Davies
Brooks OHare McCallum
Moore

Think that makes sense for this one

 

[Alex Cheeseright]

With every team getting so many injuries, surely the league needs to look at this situation. Games don't become entertaining but dour, hope we don't lose the game or players. Maybe the league need to go to 20 or 22 teams and add a 5th division. Either way, needs addressing.

 

[McGrath]

With every team getting so many injuries, surely the league needs to look at this situation. Games don't become entertaining but dour, hope we don't lose the game or players. Maybe the league need to go to 20 or 22 teams and add a 5th division. Either way, needs addressing.

They should do that, but they won't do that because of

 

[Bl4desutd]

With every team getting so many injuries, surely the league needs to look at this situation. Games don't become entertaining but dour, hope we don't lose the game or players. Maybe the league need to go to 20 or 22 teams and add a 5th division. Either way, needs addressing.

All the additional international breaks this year have caused the fixture snarl up

 

[SUFC Guy]

as a Sunderland supporter I've predicted a score draw.

If Sheffield United win it will be our first defeat at home this season and it will be our first back to back defeat of the season. Could happen and we seem happy enough recently coming from behind to get something from games late on - so if you are winning with say 5 or so minutes to go - hang on to your hat.

It could be a game built for Moore and given that we have only kept 1 clean sheet in the last 10 league games I think it's predictable enough to suggest that SU will score at some point. Score 2 though and thats probably game over.

Both teams have loads of injuries - no Rigg, no Watson - for example for us - 10 injured players - which will hurt us more than you.

However we are a pretty resilient side so I've no need to be so negative. We are 4rth for a reason - but if we do lose then rather than look up at the top 3 we will, for the first time this season, start to look down and our aim may change from an outside chance at the top 2 (20 games still to go - a lot of points to play for - and lots can happen) to making sure we cement a play off place, which is a more realistic aim for us. If we win then we continue our chase for the top 3 but so far thats been a forlorn chase...it's proven to be just out of reach.

We desperately need bodies back.

However I'll stick with 1 v 1 and SU to score first.

Player to watch - Bellingham - not just saying it because of his brother but Jobe is probably our POTS so far and is shaping up to be an excellent footballer. Be interesting too see when his parents pull the trigger and he leaves - which of course we all know is coming at some point. Runs and plays exactly like his brother and has come on leaps and bounds since last season. He is a genuine talent, will outgrow SAFC and will go on to bigger and better things - like Rigg.

Poor weather forecast, so if you are going you can expect the North East to be even colder than normal!!

Good post mate. Think you'll have too much for us tomorrow night. Both teams have major players missing, but I think home advantage will see you over the line. We've started to ship a few more goals now that our main (loaned) defender is out for the season - doubt he'll play for us again if his injury is as bad as reported.

Best of luck with your season after tomorrow, unless we meet you in the play offs!

 

[MiserableBlader]

1. Injuries key to chances. Hoping some (Vini Jesus Campbell Seriki?) have been held back to play this game. (ALWAYS the optimist)

2. Lucky Hamer playing - if he is. C/Should have been sent off second booking (Ah the drawbacks of all these U-22's eh Wilder)

3. More key are +ve tactics - MUCH better attitude than previously last game. Went out to win and should have.

PLUS playing players in correct position. He hasn't corrected that yet even on Saturday and this has been a disaster for over 12 months.

4. Recalled Loans? I'm saying we don't with 'woman scorned' Wilder.

5. Hoping no one will recall our loans. ie Jesus - Chelsea no interest Gilchrist unless for sale and will he want to go outside a(n unlikely) Prem team? I'm saying no he'll want to stay.

6. More loans? Would be great to have cameras on the training ground 24x7. (Loan) window opens. Could have trained today. Attacking players can go straight in any team. - can surely set up even for 28 day window if owning club not sure what end of Window holds. I don't see why this can't be done with a couple of the maximum 8 with only 3 used and surely Sooty no longer restricts us?

Settle for draws next 2 away games coming up. Hope for better. No one can predict re above.

As Saudi49er says. THINK LONG TERM. Plenty of points to win yet with good tactics and couple of genuinely good transfers in FOR THIS SEASON and promotion.

 

[Scoips]

as a Sunderland supporter I've predicted a score draw.

If Sheffield United win it will be our first defeat at home this season and it will be our first back to back defeat of the season. Could happen and we seem happy enough recently coming from behind to get something from games late on - so if you are winning with say 5 or so minutes to go - hang on to your hat.

It could be a game built for Moore and given that we have only kept 1 clean sheet in the last 10 league games I think it's predictable enough to suggest that SU will score at some point. Score 2 though and thats probably game over.

Both teams have loads of injuries - no Rigg, no Watson - for example for us - 10 injured players - which will hurt us more than you.

However we are a pretty resilient side so I've no need to be so negative. We are 4rth for a reason - but if we do lose then rather than look up at the top 3 we will, for the first time this season, start to look down and our aim may change from an outside chance at the top 2 (20 games still to go - a lot of points to play for - and lots can happen) to making sure we cement a play off place, which is a more realistic aim for us. If we win then we continue our chase for the top 3 but so far thats been a forlorn chase...it's proven to be just out of reach.

We desperately need bodies back.

However I'll stick with 1 v 1 and SU to score first.

Player to watch - Bellingham - not just saying it because of his brother but Jobe is probably our POTS so far and is shaping up to be an excellent footballer. Be interesting too see when his parents pull the trigger and he leaves - which of course we all know is coming at some point. Runs and plays exactly like his brother and has come on leaps and bounds since last season. He is a genuine talent, will outgrow SAFC and will go on to bigger and better things - like Rigg.

Poor weather forecast, so if you are going you can expect the North East to be even colder than normal!!

Thanks for these interesting insights MBH, always good to get some context from opposition supporters. I think it will be a very tight game but unless we get one or two of our wounded back, I suspect you'll just edge it. I don't think Souttar is a huge miss for this game but Souza and Campbell definitely will be. I hope you are right about Moore because he didn't have a great game against WBA and never looked like scoring! Good luck for the rest of the season - if we squeak over the line, I'd love to see the Mackems join us.

 

[Frank the tank]

Normally quite optimistic regards pre-match predictions but Sunderland will be well up for this game.
They'll be desperate for revenge after recently losing a tight game 1-0 to us the other week.

They also lost with a last minute goal conceded away at Stoke at the weekend, so again will be desperate to bounce back.
Also due to injuries we're struggling to put out a team
and losing Souttar was a massive blow.....we're having to rely on last seasons centre half pairing that conceded 100 goals.

My prediction, Sunderland 2 Blades 0 (hope I'm wrong)

I expect Wilder to park the bus hoping for a 0-0 draw and to be honest I'd be delighted and really surprised with a draw.

That's not the first time you've used the phrase
Last seasons Centre back pairing who conceeded a hundred goals

Disingenuous at best, we rarely played with a centre back pairing all season