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Sunderland are preparing for their first Championship play-off final since 1998, as they face Sheffield United at Wembley on Saturday afternoon.
It’s been an incredible season for Regis Le Bris’ young side, and despite a poor run of form in the run-in, they comfortably finished fourth in the table – although they were 24 points off automatic promotion.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LeedsLeeds | 46 | 29 | 13 | 4 | 95 | 30 | 65 | 100 |
| 2 |  BurnleyBurnley | 46 | 28 | 16 | 2 | 69 | 16 | 53 | 100 |
| 3 |  Sheff UtdSheffield Utd | 46 | 28 | 8 | 10 | 63 | 36 | 27 | 90 |
| 4 |  SunderlandSunderland | 46 | 21 | 13 | 12 | 58 | 44 | 14 | 76 |
| 5 |  CoventryCoventry | 46 | 20 | 9 | 17 | 64 | 58 | 6 | 69 |
| 6 |  Bristol CityBristol City | 46 | 17 | 17 | 12 | 59 | 55 | 4 | 68 |
They secured their place in the final in stunning fashion, as Dan Ballard’s last minute header saw the Black Cats defeat Coventry City 3-2 on aggregate over two legs, which sparked scenes of chaos at the Stadium of Light.
However, Sunderland do not have a very positive play-off history, and they head into this weekend without tasting success in either of their two previous second tier finals. Despite this, one of their failures will forever be etched into the history books for one unique reason.
- READ MORE – Sunderland vs Sheffield United head-to-head record ahead of the Championship play-off final
Sunderland vs Swindon Town resulted in promotion through default in 1990
The Black Cats were involved in the first second tier play-off final to be played at Wembley, after they beat their bitter rivals Newcastle United in the semi-finals, to set up a meeting with Swindon Town.
Alan McLoughlin scored what proved to be the only goal of the game in the 25th minute for the Robins, to set them on course for the First Division.
Sunderland were unable to find a way back into the game, and were beaten 1-0, with their opponents seemingly joining Leeds United and Sheffield United in the top flight for the 1990/91 campaign. However, there was a twist.
But just 10 days after the final, Swindon were found guilty on 35 counts of illegal player payments and were originally going to be demoted to the third tier. After an appeal, they were reinstated in the Second Division, with the Wearsiders taking their place in the First Division instead.
It is the only time the loser in the play-off final has been promoted in place of the winner, earning Sunderland a special place in history.
- READ MORE – Five of the best Championship play-off finals include Reading nightmare and a Charlie Adam screamer
Sheffield United will be hoping to spoil Regis Le Bris’ day
Sheffield United have their own play-off hoodoo to get over this weekend, and they will want to end Le Bris’ first season in heartbreak at Wembley.
The Black Cats will have to show plenty of character in the capital on Saturday, but they will be full of confidence after their victory over Coventry in the semi-final and if they can take this with them into the final, then Chris Wilder will find it tough.
However, Sheffield United’s manager has already experienced defeat to Sunderland this season, and he will have a plan in place to ensure that it does not happen again, as the Wearsiders look for their second Championship play-off final promotion, despite not tasting victory in the past.