Sunderland v Sheffield United: Where to watch, kick-off time, latest news
Sunderland are braced for a defining moment in their history as they prepare to face Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final.
The Black Cats defeated Coventry City 3-2 on aggregate to secure their place at Wembley Stadium.
An incredible Dan Ballard header right at the death cued quite possibly the greatest ever celebrations at the Stadium of Light.
Now, just the Blades stand in the way of the Wearsiders sealing a return to the Premier League after an eight-year absence.
Where to watch
The Championship play-off final is available for supporters to watch via Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.
Kick-off time
The kick-off time for Sunderland and Sheffield United is 3:01 pm on Saturday, 24 May.
Starting a minute later than usual, the obscure kick-off time is to raise awareness for the ‘Every Minute Matters’ campaign.
Latest news
Regis Le Bris has two major injury concerns on the wing, which would be a bitter blow for the North East club.
Romaine Mundle and Patrick Roberts are both dealing with muscular injuries and are being closely assessed by Sunderland’s medical staff.
Elsewhere, Aji Alese could return to the matchday squad, having been out with a broken leg since January.
However, left-back Niall Huggins remains a long-term absentee and will not feature in the play-off final.
Sunderland were granted an extra 1,000 tickets for the Wembley clash on Tuesday (20 May), but they have now sold out.
Meanwhile, the EFL has announced that Chris Kavanagh will referee the final in London.
Sheffield United will enter the contest as favourites after finishing the season one place and 14 points above the Black Cats.
However, there was little to choose between the Championship sides in the league, with both tasting victory on home soil.
| Date | Competition | Result |
| 25 September 2019 | League Cup | Sheffield United 1-0 Sunderland |
| 17 August 2022 | Championship | Sheffield United 2-1 Sunderland |
| 15 March 2023 | Championship | Sunderland 1-2 Sheffield United |
| 29 November 2024 | Championship | Sheffield United 1-0 Sunderland |
| 1 January 2025 | Championship | Sunderland 2-1 Sheffield United |
The Wearsiders have tasted recent success in the play-offs, defeating Wycombe Wanderers in the League One final in 2022.
As for the Blades, they will need to rewrite history as they have never won promotion via the play-offs.
It promises to be a close red and white contest at Wembley, with a return to the Premier League the ultimate prize.