“It’s going to be difficult for them”- Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder sends clear message ahead of Sheffield United’s crucial Wembley final against Sunderland
Wembley Awaits: Sunderland to Face Sheffield United in Play-Off Final Showdown
Sunderland’s thrilling victory over Coventry City has secured their spot in the Championship play-off final, where they will face Sheffield United at Wembley.
Blades manager Chris Wilder has confirmed that both Femi Seriki and Ben Brereton Diaz are expected to return to the squad in time for the clash.
Seriki had been sidelined with an injury sustained on the final day of the regular season, while Brereton Diaz missed both legs of their dominant 6-0 aggregate win over Bristol City due to illness.
Interestingly, Brereton Diaz was a transfer target for Sunderland in January but instead opted for a return to Bramall Lane, where he had previously thrived on loan under Wilder.
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, on loan from Crystal Palace, made his comeback off the bench during Monday’s semi-final second leg and is now in contention to start the final.
Wilder admitted he faces tough choices when selecting his starting XI for the decisive match.
“We have to strike the right balance,” Wilder said. “We can’t afford to lose anyone to injury in training.
Right now, the squad is in great shape—everyone’s fit and ready. Femi and Ben will be available, and Jes came back into the fold, which gives us more options.”
With six or seven training sessions remaining before the final, Wilder emphasized the importance of peak preparation. “Players need to live, train, and act like winners.
Everyone wants to win, but some want it more. The difference is in the details and how we prepare over these final days.”
Midfielder Oli Arblaster and defender Rhys Norrington-Davies remain Sheffield United’s only expected absentees.
Sunderland Boss Le Bris Eyes Premier League Return
Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris, fresh off his side’s semi-final triumph, acknowledged the scale of the challenge ahead.
“Sheffield United were very strong in their semi-final,” Le Bris said. “They’re well-organised, experienced, and dangerous in different ways.
They’ve just come down from the Premier League, so we know it’ll be a serious test.”
He added, “To earn promotion, you often have to break barriers or produce something exceptional.
We know it will be difficult, but our focus, ambition, and desire to achieve that goal remain strong. We believe in our quality, and we’ll give everything to make it happen.”
