Sheffield United vs. Sunderland Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 24 May 2025 - bettingexpert
As excitement builds for the Championship play-off final on 24 May 2025, Sheffield United and Sunderland are set for a thrilling showdown at Wembley. This match is not just a battle for promotion but also a quest for a substantial financial windfall of €260 million. Both teams have a rich history in English football, making this clash even more poignant.
Sheffield United, having been relegated from the Premier League last season, are determined to bounce back immediately. They come into the final with a strong defensive record and recent impressive form, showcasing standout performances from their best player, Gustavo Hamer. Chris Wilder’s men have also been effective in attack, averaging 2.00 goals in their last five matches.
Sunderland, led by Régis Le Bris, have had a more tumultuous path, struggling in recent months but secured their final spot with a dramatic last-minute goal by Daniel Ballard against Coventry City. Their defensive frailties, however, could be a concern as they’ve failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches.
Given Sheffield United’s solid form and easier route to the final, they are the bookmakers’ favourites with odds of 2.35 for a win. Expect a tight match, potentially decided by a single goal, as both teams vie for the coveted Premier League spot. Our match tip recommends betting on Sheffield United to win narrowly.
Sheffield United vs Sunderland Prediction & Betting Tip
Sheffield United come into this Championship final as the bookmaker favourites with recent strong form and superior defensive stats. Our recommended bet is for a narrow win by Sheffield United, as indicated by their efficient goal-scoring and solid defence.
| Sheffield United vs Sunderland Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Sheffield United to win narrowly | 2.35 |
- Sheffield United have scored in 79% of their matches this season.
- They have an impressive recent run, including two 3-0 wins in the semi-finals.
- Sunderland has struggled defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five games.
Sheffield United vs Sunderland Odds
Heading into this high-stakes Championship play-off final, Sheffield United are the favorites among the bookmakers, reflecting their strong season and recent form. Sunderland’s odds suggest a tougher challenge, owing to their recent struggles and less consistent performance.
| Sheffield United vs Sunderland Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Sheffield United | 2.35 |
| Draw | 2.99 |
| Sunderland | 3.24 |
Despite Sunderland’s past difficulties, the drama of a play-off final means anything can happen. Both teams will be fighting tooth and nail, knowing a win means a return to the Premier League and a financial windfall of £260 million. Expect tensions to be high, with every moment crucial.
Sheffield United Team Analysis
Sheffield United Recent Performance
Sheffield United’s recent form can be summarised as WWDWL, showcasing a strong finish to their season. They demonstrated defensive solidity with 3 clean sheets in their last 5 games and an impressive average of 2.00 goals scored per game. Key wins over Bristol City in the semi-finals, both ending in convincing 3-0 victories, highlight their intent to return to the Premier League.
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheffield United | Bristol City | 2025-05-12 | Championship Playoff | 3-0 (Win) |
| Bristol City | Sheffield United | 2025-05-08 | Championship Playoff | 0-3 (Win) |
| Sheffield United | Blackburn | 2025-05-03 | Championship | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Stoke | Sheffield United | 2025-04-25 | Championship | 0-2 (Win) |
| Burnley | Sheffield United | 2025-04-21 | Championship | 2-1 (Loss) |
Chris Wilder’s team has been defensively robust, conceding an average of just 0.8 goals per match this season. Their standout player, Gustavo Hamer, has been pivotal, highlighted by his accolades this season. With such a solid base, Sheffield United are well-prepared for this crucial final.
Sheffield United Key Players
Sheffield United will rely heavily on their standout players to drive them to victory. Gustavo Hamer, having been named the best player in the Championship, will be crucial in midfield. With 2 goals to his name, Callum O’Hare is their top scorer and will be expected to lead the attack alongside Kieffer Moore.
In defence, Michael Cooper has been a rock with multiple clean sheets, while Anel Ahmedhodzic and Jack Robinson will need to be at their best to thwart Sunderland’s attacks.
Key individual battles to watch out for include Gustavo Hamer against Jobe Bellingham in midfield, and Callum O’Hare against Sunderland’s centre-backs.
Expected lineup for Sheffield United:
- Goalkeeper: Michael Cooper
- Defenders: Hamza Choudhury, Anel Ahmedhodzic, Jack Robinson, Harrison Burrows
- Midfielders: Andre Brooks, Sydie Peck, Vinicius Souza, Gustavo Hamer
- Attackers: Thomas Cannon, Kieffer Moore
Sheffield United Suspensions & Injuries
Sheffield United have several key players out due to injuries, which could significantly impact their overall performance in the final.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Sai Sachdev | Broken leg | Early June 2025 |
| Oliver Arblaster | Cruciate ligament injury | Late July 2025 |
| Harry Souttar | Ankle injury | Early June 2025 |
| Rhys Norrington-Davies | Groin injury | Doubtful |
These injuries may hinder Sheffield’s defensive depth and midfield options, particularly missing Oliver Arblaster’s presence. However, coach Chris Wilder will need to call upon his squad depth to navigate around these challenges.
Sunderland, therefore, might find opportunities to exploit these weaknesses, especially if Sheffield’s defense is not at full strength.
Sheffield United Tactics and Formation
Sheffield United Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-4-2
- Key Forwards: Thomas Cannon, Kieffer Moore
- Midfield Ensemble: Andre Brooks (Right midfielder), Sydie Peck (Right central midfielder), Vinicius Souza (Left central midfielder), Gustavo Hamer (Left midfielder)
- Defensive Backbone: Michael Cooper (Goalkeeper), Hamza Choudhury, Anel Ahmedhodzic, Jack Robinson, Harrison Burrows
- Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games
Notable Strategy:
- Emphasis on defensive solidity, conceding only 0.8 goals on average per match this season.
- Strong attack during the 46-60-minute interval where they often score.
- Utilization of standout player Gustavo Hamer to drive midfield creativity and link play between defense and attack.
Sunderland Team Analysis
Sunderland Recent Performance
Sunderland have had a mixed run of form leading up to this Championship final, with their recent performance marked by a sequence of draws, wins, and losses. Here’s a look at their last five matches:
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunderland | Coventry | 2025-05-13 | Championship Playoff | 0-1 (Loss) (Extra time: 1-0) |
| Coventry | Sunderland | 2025-05-09 | Championship Playoff | 1-2 (Win) |
| Sunderland | QPR | 2025-05-03 | Championship | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Oxford | Sunderland | 2025-04-26 | Championship | 2-0 (Loss) |
| Sunderland | Blackburn | 2025-04-21 | Championship | 0-1 (Loss) |
Sunderland have struggled to find the net consistently, averaging only 0.60 goals per game over their last five matches. They also failed to keep a single clean sheet during this period, indicating vulnerabilities in their defense. This inconsistent form places them as the underdogs going into the final, but their ability to pull off a crucial win against Coventry shows they can never be counted out.
Recent Form: DWLLL
Sunderland Key Players
Sunderland’s lineup heading into the final against Sheffield United includes several key players who could influence the outcome.
Expected lineup for Sunderland:
- Goalkeeper: Anthony Patterson
- Defenders: Trai Hume, Daniel Ballard, Luke O’Nien, Dennis Cirkin
- Midfielders: Patrick Roberts, Dan Neil, Jobe Bellingham, Enzo Le Fee
- Forwards: Eliezer Mayenda, Wilson Isidor
Key Players to Watch:
- Wilson Isidor: The team’s top scorer with 1 goal, Isidor will be crucial in breaking down Sheffield United’s solid defense.
- Jobe Bellingham: The young midfielder has shown flashes of brilliance and could be pivotal in transitioning defense to attack.
- Anthony Patterson: In goal, Patterson will need to be at his best to thwart Sheffield United’s attacking threats.
Individual battles such as Isidor against Sheffield’s commanding defender Anel Ahmedhodzic could define the game.
Sunderland Suspensions & Injuries
Sunderland will have to navigate the Championship Final without some crucial players, which could significantly impact their performance.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Daniel Ballard | Hamstring Injury | Mid-December 2023 |
| Aji Alese | Broken Leg | Early June 2025 |
| Jayden Danns | Back Injury | Early June 2025 |
| Ian Poveda | Leg Injury | Early June 2025 |
Daniel Ballard’s absence will be particularly felt in the defence, especially given his role as a key centre-back. The injuries to Aji Alese, Jayden Danns, and Ian Poveda mean Sunderland will miss out on some squad depth and flexibility, forcing coach Régis Le Bris to make strategic adjustments. This could give Sheffield United an edge, especially in the latter stages of the match.
Sunderland Tactics and Formation
Sunderland’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-4-2
- Key Forward: Wilson Isidor
- Midfield Trio: Patrick Roberts, Dan Neil, Jobe Bellingham, Enzo Le Fee
- Defensive Weakness: Zero clean sheets in the last five matches.
- Notable Strategy: Aggressive pressing in wide areas to exploit Sheffield United’s flanks.
Despite recent defensive woes, Sunderland will rely on a solid 4-4-2 setup.
Wilson Isidor is expected to lead the line, aiming to capitalize on counter-attacks and any gaps left by Sheffield United’s backline.
The midfield, marshaled by Jobe Bellingham and Dan Neil, will aim to control possession while Patrick Roberts and Enzo Le Fee are tasked with providing width and creativity.
Sunderland will need to be wary of their defensive vulnerabilities, especially given Sheffield United’s tendency to score in the 46-60 minute interval.
Sheffield United vs Sunderland Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunderland | Sheffield United | 2025-01-01 | Championship | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Sheffield United | Sunderland | 2024-11-29 | Championship | 1-0 (Win) |
| Sunderland | Sheffield United | 2023-03-15 | Championship | 1-2 (Win) |
| Sheffield United | Sunderland | 2022-08-17 | Championship | 2-1 (Win) |
| Sheffield United | Sunderland | 2019-09-25 | EFL Cup | 0-1 (Loss) |
Sheffield United have had the upper hand in recent encounters, winning three out of the last five matches.
Key points:
- Both teams have had narrow wins against each other.
- More than 2.5 goals have been scored in 83% of their matches in the past 5 seasons.
- The past meetings suggest a competitive fixture.
Odds accurate as of 22.05.2025 15:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
