Ray Parlour disagrees with Alan Brazil’s Sunderland play-off promotion prediction
Sunderland have a great chance of reaching the Premier League this season, with the playoffs set to begin in May.
The club confirmed their place inside the top six at the start of April in what has been a great first season for Regis Le Bris.
While the Black Cats’ form has dropped this month, many will likely tip them for promotion.
Sunderland are expected to have many of their injured stars back for the playoffs, with players such as Dan Ballard and Aji Alese close to returning.
However, on Talksport, Alan Brazil has tipped another team to earn promotion.
Alan Brazil believes Sheffield United will be promoted through the playoffs
Despite being in the top two for much of the season, Sheffield United have now officially missed out on automatic promotion.
The Blades are looking for an immediate return to the top-flight after a poor campaign last term.
With the club currently sitting 10 points clear of Sunderland going into the last two games, Brazil has backed Sheffield United to pip the Black Cats to promotion, much to the disagreement of Ray Parlour.
Brazil told Talksport (25 April): “What I think, and I know I will be shot down here, but I think Sheffield United will come up in the playoffs.”
This prompted Parlour to quickly disagree, stating: “I think it is wide open, you can just have a bit of luck on the day, something can happen on the day.”
Sunderland should be the favourites to win the playoffs
Going into the playoffs, Sunderland should be the favourites to win it.
The club has had nothing to play for for almost a month now, compared to Sheffield United, who only confirmed their fate on Easter Monday.
This has given Le Bris extra time to prepare for the matches and has helped to ensure that the majority of his squad will be fit to play.
| Sunderland’s last 12 meetings against Sheffield United | |
| Wins | 6 |
| Draws | 0 |
| Losses | 6 |
On top of this, Sunderland beat Sheffield United 2-1 in their last meeting on New Year’s Day, so if the two did meet in the final, the Black Cats have proved that they can overcome them.
The wildcard will be whoever the final two teams are that secure fifth and sixth. However, given that this is likely to go to the final day, it could mean that many of the players are tired for the playoffs.
Hopefully, Le Bris plays his cards right and finishes a fantastic season in style with promotion.