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Sheffield United have been told why Sunderland could be there for the taking in the upcoming Championship play-off clash.
Sheffield United and Sunderland will play for a chance of promotion to the Premier League on Saturday.
The two sides’ semi-final clashes were highly contrasting; Sheffield United cruised past Bristol City with a record-breaking 6-0 aggregate win, whilst Sunderland left it until the 120th minute to bag the winner against Coventry City, with Dan Ballard notching the dramatic winner.
Regis Le Bris’ tactical set-up for his Sunderland side saw the Black Cats weather the storm of Coventry City attacks, with Frank Lampard’s side creating many opportunities, but struggled against the resolute opposition.
Whilst defensively, Sunderland should be feared, one EFL expert has highlighted why Sheffield United should be confident going into the tie.
Sheffield United told to take advantage of limited Sunderland attacking output
Sunderland’s win in the dying embers at the Stadium of Light certainly came as a surprise, with the Black Cats having very few opportunities in front of goal, and it is something that has been regarded as a concern for them by EFL expert Ali Maxwell.
Speaking to Sheff United Way on YouTube, Maxwell gave his thoughts on Sunderland’s season, especially in the latter stages.
“They’d lost touch with Sheffield United as well, and then it was just a bizarre end of the season, wasn’t it, where it just felt like they were just kind of sitting around waiting for the playoffs.
“I felt like losing that kind of week to consistency might be hard to turn the taps back on for the playoffs but, I actually still think the jury is out whether they have or not.”
Maxwell also touched on Sunderland’s performance across the two legs against Coventry City, suggesting that their ability in front of goal could prove to be their Achilles heel in the Championship play-off final vs Sheffield United.
“I probably wouldn’t say on a Sunderland podcast but I might say on one of yours because the way that that both of those legs played out even though they scored three goals across the two ties, they barely created a a chance quite frankly and when the ones that they did were pure counterattacking scenarios and a set piece goal and a massive error, so not 100% sure that they have definitely turned the taps back on.
“I’m not saying for a moment they’re coming into this undercooked, but you know that there’s there’s every reason for Sheff United to be favorites.”
The one player Chris Wilder must be wary of that could provide a significant threat for the Black Cats
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Sheffield United get the majority of chances in the upcoming Championship play-off final, but they will still have to be on red alert amid the threat that Sunderland pose on the counter-attack.
In particular, Wilder must be cautious with giving Sunderland striker Eliezer Mayenda any space in the contest; the Spaniard has already shone against Sheffield United this season, bagging a goal whilst also notching an assist at the tie at the Stadium of Light.
Mayenda possesses pace and a killer finish, which could make the difference for the Black Cats. If Sheffield United were to put a foot wrong, he would be there to pounce, highlighting the need that Wilder must urge caution amongst his defence.