They missed out on automatic promotion but both sides have been comfortably better than the 20 teams below over the course of the campaign.
But who gets over the line?
We assess the big talking points ahead of Saturday’s Championship final:
SELECTION ISSUES
Have a go at predicting Sunderland’s starting XI for Saturday’s game and you’ll get to seven without hesitation. Eight, in fact.
The goalkeeper and back four picks itself, as do Dan Neil and Jobe Bellingham in midfield. Enzo Le Fee will play, but whether he’s central or on the left will impact who is selection and what happens around him in the attack.
The left is more likely on the back of Romaine Mundle’s injury issues, but Regis Le Bris still has a dilemma. Presuming Patrick Roberts starts on the right, which feels almost certain, does he go for Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor as he did in both play-off semi-final games? Or does he pack the midfield by adding Chris Rigg? But then which striker gets left out?
Big games call for big and brave decisions…
DODGED BULLET IN JANUARY
Had things worked out differently, Tom Cannon could have spent the second half of the season in the red and white of Sunderland rather than Sheffield United.
The striker was a target for the Black Cats in January after he was recalled by Leicester from his Stoke City loan.
Talks took place but a deal was never close to being agreed, with Sheffield United having always been clear favourites to land the striker. And that’s how it turned out.
But Sunderland may well look back on the failed pursuit as a dodged bullet, for Cannon has struggled in the Steel City so far.
Not until his 13th game for the Blades did Cannon manage to find the net, and his strike against Burnley remains his only goal for Chris Wilder’s side so far.
He started the semi-final second leg against Bristol City but was an unused substitute in the first game between the sides and it would be no surprise if he was on the bench rather than in the starting XI tomorrow.
But Sunderland know what Cannon is capable of, for the striker’s last two goals in Stoke colours both came against the Black Cats, one a last gasp winner in the Championship game in December and another in the FA Cup the following month.
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SHEFFIELD UNITED HISTORY
History weighs heavy on Sheffield United’s shoulders when it comes to play-off ties, especially at Wembley.
Not since 1925 have the Blades won at Wembley.
And their play-off record is wretched.
This is the 10th time they’ve contested the end of season shootout and they’re still searching for their first success.
They’ve lost all four finals they’ve reached and haven’t even managed a goal in those games.
And yet, in the eyes of the bookmakers, they’re firm favourites to win on Saturday afternoon.
Will Sheffield United’s woeful play-off past add pressure? And will the weight of expectation tell?
“I don’t think anyone wants to come into any game favourites, because it puts added pressure on,” said former Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp this week.
“I think Sunderland will quite like that they’re the underdogs. They’re such a big club and big fanbase and it’s going to be fine margins like it always is. Goalkeepers making saves or chances missed, or one bit of magic.”
THE MATCHWINNERS
On the subject of those who play with magic wands, will it be Gustavo Hamer or Enzo Le Fee who leave their matchwinning mark on this game?
Hamer has endured play-off final heartbreak at Wembley having been on the losing side a couple of years ago when Luton Town beat Coventry City.
He’ll be desperate to put that right this weekend and the forward is as important and influential for the Blades as he was the Sky Blues, with 16 goal contributions this season.
The best players shine on the biggest stage and Sunderland will be hoping that is the case with Le Fee this weekend. It was the Frenchman’s floated corner that teed up Dan Ballard’s dramatic last minute winner against Coventry to secure Sunderland’s place at Wembley. Wilder says Sheffield United’s January business was pivotal in adding strength to his squad but Le Fee was undoubtedly one of, if not the best, Championship capture in the winter window.
Even though Le Bris hasn’t been able to get the 25-year-old in a central role, where he thinks he’s at his best, as much as he’d like, Le Fee has still added crucial quality. Win tomorrow and his temporary stay will be made permanent.
