Chris Wilder reveals ‘fantastic Sheffield United news’ for clash v Sunderland
Sunderland fans will be feeling unlucky after Chris Wilder revealed his Sheffield United team news for Saturday’s Championship play-off final.
Wilder has benefited from an almost perfect injury record this season, with only a handful of players sitting out prolonged periods.
His side thrashed Bristol City 6-0 on aggregate in the play-off semi-finals while the Mackems endured a most closely-run contest with Coventry City, whom they beat courtesy of Dan Ballard’s last-minute winner at the Stadium of Light in the second leg.
Chris Wilder’s side will be at full strength
Wilder is confident that injuries won’t stop him from choosing the best lineup, which he has already picked, for their biggest game of the season.
In quotes reported by The Star (20 May), he said: “Physically, we’ve got everybody available, which is fantastic news.
“They’re all knocking on the door, all putting their hand up to play.
“I’ve got a real good group of players that can produce big moments and keep clean sheets, and play on the big stage.”
The FA has fined his team £180,000 for full-time bedlam after the now-relegated Plymouth Argyle stunned third-placed United 2-1. Wilder was seen arguing with the opposition players, and a mass confrontation followed.
Wilder’s men finished 14 points above Regis Le Bris’ side, but they’ve both got one over each other this season. The Black Cats beat the Blades 2-1 at home after they lost 1-0 at Bramall Lane.
Speaking to Mackem News, courtesy of BestBetting, ex-Sunderland defender Wes Brown said that mentality will be the winning factor in this final: “If you give it everything, you know in your mind the team’s got a great chance to win, regardless of who it is, and that’s how you have to approach the game.“
Sunderland have injury concerns of their own
Sunderland’s Romaine Mundle will be a doubt to start in Saturday’s final with a recurring hamstring injury. He was able to come off the bench against the Sky Blues, but his post-match recovery took longer than expected.
Patrick Roberts played 95 minutes in the same game, but admits he was feeling his calf, and the medical team have been monitoring his situation. He’s more likely to be available for the Wembley clash.
Alan Browne is expected to replace Roberts on the right to provide the squad with some much-needed experience when they face off at the home of English Football.
Ahmed Abdullahi, the Nigerian striker who joined for £2.5 million from Belgian side Gent in the summer, is set to miss out due to a lack of match fitness. There was much expectation on him going into this season, but fans will have to wait until next season to see him play.
It’s not injuries Sunderland had feared during the semi-final, but suspensions too. Wilson Isidor was booked for simulation in the game, and then was very lucky not to be sent off after Ballard’s goal, Keith Hackett explained.
He ran onto the pitch after he was subbed and mocked opposition keeper Ben Wilson. Isidor should’ve got a second yellow, the former PGMOL chief added.