Match Day Thread Sunderland AFC v Sheffield United – Championship Play-off Final - Saturday 24th May 2025 - KO 15:00

Brilliant mate, probably the most sustained full volume support I've been in ...

... more of that on Saturday would make a massive difference.

 

More than likely being on the bench but I would love him to start and then put Enzo in the number 10 role. Sheffield haven't faced those 2 at all and with them in their proper roles would certainly give them something to think about. Reggie it's over to you

 

It's only been said that he missed training for a few days after Cov, I reckon he could be in contention to start in all honesty for me

 

I hope he is starting tbh. I think Roberts would be on the right to help with Hamer but hoping Mundle wide left and Mayenda up top. Glad I'm not in Reggie's shoes to make the decision

 

Options are ridiculous now we have the bodies fit, if we’re struggling to know the 11 then wilder will be, think Regis has a trick up his sleeve personally

 

Fancy us to find a way and get it done, 1-0 or perhaps 2-1 in extra time.

I think we'll play deep as we did against Coventry, except that we'll naturally have a little more of the ball, mostly due to Sheff Utd being less willing to boss possession like Coventry under Lampard tend to. Ballard-vs-Moore is a key battle as others have pointed out, I'd back Ballard to dominate him despite giving up a couple of inches in height. It would be nice if Roberts turned up and put in a good counter attacking performance, lord knows he is due a performance.

Overall I think we'll soak up their pressure and be dangerous on the counter, if they decide to back off and let us play I really think we'll find gaps in their defence and exploit it. Dan Neil is absolutely key in terms of retaining possession in tight spaces and starting our counter attacks, but he will need people willing to break into space for him.

Sheff Utd have been good at finding a way to beat inferior teams, they have done it all season, but when they have met their match they have not looked particularly good. Lost both games against Leeds, lost both games against Burnley and in my opinion were bested against us in terms of quality over both games.

1-0 Sunderland. I want to say Roberts with a first half goal but probably Mayenda.

 

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Poveda spotted

 

He might be a secret weapon

 

Didn't notice Mundle on the clip.

Really hope he's good to go.

 

Off the bench I reckon.

 

Convincing myself it’s all a ploy and he’s absolutely fine

 

Enjoy it lads

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/12KtmgsEftM/

 

Was thinking about Dan earlier. Saturday may well be the pinnacle of his career. Leading your club in a big Wembley occassion. Wow. I mean seriously. It is just marvellous really. Rate him or not, I think having a local lad as our captain this weekend is the biggest indicator of the brilliant progress since KLD came in. Him, Patto, Rigg, Jones, Watson all bring a huge connection for us supporters. I think they rub off on the likes of Jobe and Hume who play like this is their club too.

I will never be convinced the heartbeat of any club is not the academy. Ours does us proud at the minute. We are blessed with KLD and Speakman and their trust in it. I understand the allure of buying players, but give me a lad who progressea with us from 11 or 12 everytime. It is the soul of the place. Dan is our own beating heart in this team.

Whatever the outcome this weekend I will forever be happy I saw Dan Neil as our skipper at Wembley. I will always remember this squad as being built from the academy up. I will always thank the hierarchy for bringing in players who gel with us and our beliefs. Hard work, commitment, togetherness, passion. I said to a mate at work today, sheff fan, whatever the outcome sat it wont be because we werent 100% committed to each other and the club. Maybe someone makes a mistake, maybe someone is a hero, but it is never done as an individual with this lot. Win together, lose together. I love them as much as any side in my time. I just feel to a man, all 20 something, they feel it and want it here.

On Saturday I want calm heads. I have really enjoyed watching Luke doing a ralling cry in the circle while Dan does the toss etc. Then Dan comes in and delivers the final words. In my mind it is the William Wallace from Luke, and the Kipling from Dan. Maybe wrong, but I just feel it is right.

I feel completely calm still, looking at our lads and comparing to theirs. Bugger it, we are every bit ready for the prem. This feels like our time.

 

Totally agree with you and have to admit I'm slightly jealous of him. How many of us played football in the back streets dreaming of not just playing for Sunderland at Wembley but leading them out and this lad is doing just that! The only thing that slightly concerns me is nerves these young lads might have playing at Wembley. I hope they can calm down quickly and get into their stride.

 

Mayenda to score and Hamer to get booked - 11/1

Yes please

 

Do you know what mate. I think we have the perfect coach for this. I thought Mowbray was perfect for the young lads, and he was great. But Regis seems next level. I am so confident he will have them relaxed and calm. I know he will be.

 

Ooh.I got lucky and got a ticket closer to the pitch than the 4 miles away I was before