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“Roy Keane Sparks Debate as Pundits Predict Sunderland vs Sheffield United – The Panel Doesn’t Hold Back
Stick to Football Panel Weighs In on Sunderland vs Sheffield United Play-Off Final
As the anticipation builds for Sunderland’s Championship play-off final against Sheffield United at Wembley, the match took center stage on The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast.
A panel of former players and pundits, including some with strong ties to Sunderland, shared their thoughts and predictions.
Former Sunderland midfielder Jill Scott didn’t hide her emotions: “I feel really nervous,” she admitted. While the table clearly had a soft spot for Sunderland, most leaned toward Sheffield United when pressed for predictions.
Gary Neville shared his view: “We’re probably going to go Sheffield United. I’d love to see Sunderland in the Premier League, but I think Sheffield United might just have the edge.”
Scott looked to Jamie Carragher for support but didn’t find it. After a bit of hesitation, Carragher agreed: “Yeah… Sheffield United.” Neville wrapped it up: “Alright, 2-1 Sheffield United.”
Scott confessed her prediction came from the heart more than the head. However, former Sunderland boss Roy Keane quickly jumped in to defend the club: “You need Sunderland in the Premier League,” he insisted.
Neville agreed, noting the significance of the North East derby: “Sunderland-Newcastle games—that’s what you want.”
Predictions varied. Ian Wright called a dramatic finish: “2-2, penalties.” Keane added: “1-1, penalties,” with both expecting Sunderland to come out on top in a shootout. Scott agreed: “As long as Sunderland win on pens, I don’t mind.”
There was a light-hearted exchange too, with Keane teasing Scott about her availability to watch the game.
“You’re doing a gig, aren’t you?” he joked. “Nope,” Scott clarified. “I’ll be watching—it’s the Women’s Champions League final.”
Le Bris Focused on Final Challenge
Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris praised his team’s season as a major achievement, regardless of what happens at Wembley.
However, he made it clear the focus is firmly on finishing the job.
“Sheffield United are a top side—they got 92 points even after a deduction and dominated Bristol City,” Le Bris noted.
“Reaching the final already shows this has been a fantastic season. Whether we win or not, the journey has been brilliant. But now, we focus on Wembley.”
Following their grueling semi-final win over Coventry City, the squad was given a brief rest before preparations ramp up. “We’ll shift our focus fully to the final later this week and prepare for another tough challenge,” he added.
