Sunderland VS Sheffield United – Match Preview & Prediction

The Black Cats take on fellow promotion chasers, Sheffield United on New Year’s Day, as they look to move to within 2 points of the automatic promotion places.

The Blades currently sit 3rd in The Championship and a win could see them move up into 2nd, and behind Leeds at the top on goal difference.

Sunderland are currently 4th, and a win for them could see them move to within 2 points of the automatic promotion places.

Both sides have failed to win in their last 2 matches (1D 1L).

Last time out, Sunderland suffered only their 4th defeat of the season, after a late Tom Cannon goal broke Sunderland hearts against Stoke City.

When the 2 sides met at Bramall Lane earlier on in the season, Sunderland were dominant, but wasteful in front of goal, and they were made to pay as Sheffield United took all 3 points, thanks to a late Tom Davies goal.

The Black Cats have lost 5 of their last 6 meetings with Sheffield United, winning just one match in that time.

Sunderland’s last victory over The Blades came back in 2019, when the 2 sides met in the League Cup.

League 1 Sunderland beat Premier League Sheffield United thanks to a goal from Max Power.

Sunderland are still currently unbeaten at home, and they will be desperate to keep it that way, and keep their promotion charge alive.

Team News

Ian Poveda has suffered another injury set back, despite only just returning to training following his last injury.

Dan Ballard and Chris Rigg remain out, but they are expecting to return soon.

Salis Abdul Samed has returned to full training, and is expected to be in the squad soon.

Prediction

Sunderland 2-1 Sheffield United

Scorers – Wilson Isidor and Jobe Bellingham.