Peter Reid issues score prediction for Sunderland v Sheffield United as "nervous" claim made | OneFootball

Sunderland will face Sheffield United this Saturday for a place in the Premier League next season

Peter Reid has tipped Sunderland to gain promotion to the Premier League over Sheffield United at this weekend’s play-off final.

The Black Cats finished fourth in the Championship table, one place and 14 points behind Chris Wilder’s side.

Dramatic victory over Coventry City in the semi-finals has given the Wearside outfit a chance at a return to the top flight for the first time since their 2017 relegation.

Reid, who managed Sunderland from 1995 to 2002, will be in attendance to watch Régis Le Bris’ side take on Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium.

Peter Reid issues Sunderland vs Sheffield United score prediction

Reid admitted that he’ll be nervous about the game, but he’s expecting a lively atmosphere created by both sets of supporters.

He expressed his love for the passion, and he is hopeful of a Sunderland victory on Saturday.

“Yeah, I’ll be going,” said Reid, via the BBC.

“I’ll get a train down there, but I’ll be nervous.

“I’m not sure I’ll make Trafalgar Square the night before, I think it’s a bit too lively for me these days.

“I love the passion, I think the atmosphere will be brilliant because the Blades have got a great support as well.

“So I think the atmosphere will be second to none.”

Reid added: “I’ll go for 2-1 for Sunderland.”

Sunderland’s promotion hopes

Sunderland have not been in the Premier League since suffering relegation in 2017 under David Moyes.

Tony Mowbray guided the club to a top six finish in their return to the Championship in 2023, but a play-off semi-final loss to Luton Town ended their chances of a trip to Wembley.

But Le Bris’ side have gone one step further, with Dan Ballard’s 123rd winner giving them a 3-2 aggregate victory over Coventry in the semi-finals.

The clash at Wembley Stadium this Saturday will get underway at 3pm.

Difficult to separate the two play-off sides

Sunderland had a horrendous end to the regular campaign, with their form sliding as top two hopes faded.

That could just be down to the fact their position in fourth was secure, so they had little to play for, as they were fantastic up to this dramatic dip around March.

The aggregate scores of their two league meetings this season finished 2-2, with both sides taking a home victory, showing how little there is to separate the two teams.