Wes Brown shares ‘Crazy’ Sunderland verdict ahead of play-off final – Exclusive
Wes Brown has identified the one aspect Sunderland need to thrive at if they are to beat Sheffield United on Saturday.
After 48 games, it has all come down to this. Sunderland are 90 minutes away from returning to the Premier League for the first time since 2016.
Dan Ballard sparked bedlam at the Stadium of Light in their 3-2 aggregate victory over Coventry City in the semi-finals, with the Blades awaiting them on the grandest stage.
Once the two sides step onto the pitch at Wembley, everything achieved throughout the campaign gets thrown out of the window, and the winner is likely to be the one who thrives the most in one aspect of their performance.
Sunderland must stay grounded to achieve Wembley success
Sunderland will be aware of just how big this game is on Saturday, and having already beaten Sheffield United once this season, they know what it takes to do it again.
However, with the added pressure of it being a make-or-break encounter, Wes Brown has urged the Wearsiders to focus on the way they approach the game.
Courtesy of Best Betting Sites, Brown told Mackem News: “It’s crazy. I mean, honestly. I’ve been in many finals and obviously won a lot, but I’ve lost a fair few as well. And I think with these games, tiredness doesn’t come into it.
| Team | Position | Goal Difference | Points |
| Sheffield United | 3 | 27 | 90 |
| Sunderland | 4 | 14 | 76 |
“First of all, individually, you don’t want to make any mistakes, but can you handle the pressure? And that’s what it all comes down to. Mentality. I honestly believe that. And that’s where the team aspect comes in.
“If I do my job, everyone else is doing their job. We’re here for a reason. We’ve got a chance, and it’s as simple as that. Yes, you want things to go well on the day. You want to have a little bit of luck if possible. But I always think you make your own luck as well. So, 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.“
Le Bris must ensure Sunderland play their own football
On too many occasions this season, Sunderland have allowed the tempo of the game to be dictated by the opposition, and if that happens at Wembley, they will be punished.
Sheffield United are a good side, but they are beatable, and with the likes of Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor, the Black Cats have the players to cause plenty of damage to the Blades.
Wembley will be electric this weekend, on an occasion that Mackems will be hoping to seal their return to the top flight.