It’s the biggest game of the season for two fallen giants as Sheffield United and Sunderland lock horns on Saturday under the Wembley arch with a Premier League ticket up for grabs.
Chris Wilder’s Blades looked set for automatic promotion earlier in the season before stumbling late, but they rediscovered their rhythm in the tail end of the season.
Enroute the final, Sheffield has dismantled Bristol City 6-0 over two legs in the playoff semis. So, don't mind them fancying their chances of bouncing back to the top flight at the first time of asking.
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Sunderland’s journey, in contrast, has been more of a grind. Limping into the playoffs after five straight defeats, Regis Le Bris’ side showed heart to edge Coventry in dramatic fashion, with Daniel Ballard’s extra-time winner at the Stadium of Light pushing them through.
Talent isn’t in short supply for the Black Cats, but recent form has been patchy at best. That said, Sunderland fans have seen their side rise to the occasion at Wembley before. Plus, in a one-off final, anything can happen.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Sheffield United vs. Sunderland live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this EFL Championship final in the UK:
TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Ultra HD
Live stream: SkyGo, NOW TV
This match is available on for live TV broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Ultra HD. Streaming options are available on SkyGo and NOW TV.
What time does Sheffield United vs. Sunderland kick off?
This EFL Championship final takes place at the Wembley Stadium in London, England and kicks off on Saturday, May 24 at 3:01 p.m. local time (BST).
BET: Read our full betting preview of Sheffield United vs. Sunderland
Sheffield United vs. Sunderland lineups, team news
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi and Ben Brereton Diaz are fit again and could be in contention after just missing out on the second leg against Bristol City. Femi Seriki is also back in the mix, while key midfielders Ollie Arblaster and Harry Souttar remain sidelined.
With options returning, Wilder has plenty to ponder, especially after the likes of Callum O’Hare impressed off the bench with goals in both semi-final legs. Expect changes in the attacking setup, as Sheffield United look to field their sharpest side for the promotion decider.
Sheffield United predicted XI (4-4-2, right to left): Cooper (GK) — Chodhury, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Burrows — Brooks, Peck, Souza, Hamer — Cannon, Moore.
Injured: Arblaster, Norrington-Davies, Souttar
Suspended: None
Sunderland were boosted by the return of Romaine Mundle in their semi-final clash with Coventry, and he’ll be pushing for more minutes in the final. Aji Alese is also in a race against time to be fit for Wembley, while Chris Mepham and teenage star Chris Rigg were left out of the starting XI for the playoffs but could offer fresh legs if called upon.
Regis Le Bris has largely kept faith in a settled team, but with tired legs after extra time and a tight turnaround, a few tweaks could be on the cards for this all-important clash.
Sunderland predicted XI (4-4-2 right to left): Patterson (GK) — Hume, Ballard, O'Nien, Cirkin — Roberts, Neil, Bellingham, le Fee — Mayenda, Isidor.
Injured: Alese, Poveda, Danns
Suspended: None