Sunderland vs Sheffield United Lineups, Preview, Prediction and Team News | EFL Championship, January 01, 2025
Sunderland vs Sheffield United Preview
- Tournament: EFL Championship
- Date: Wednesday, January 1
- Kick-off Time: 8:00 PM GMT
- Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland
Both the team, Sunderland and Sheffield United ended their 2024 on a low note. Sheffield settled for a draw against West Brom while Sunderland where defeated by Stoke City. Both the team which will take on each other at the Stadium of Light on Thursday are contenders for the Championship promotion.
The defeat against Stoke City ended Sunderland’s five match unbeaten streak as the hosts struck during the second-half stoppage time to salvage full three points from the game. Sunderland are currently placed at fourth place on the table with 44 points. They have won 12, lost four and drawn eight games out of the 24 they faced. After the setback, Sunderland manager Le Bris will expect his boys to get back to winning form on home turf.
On the other hand, Sheffield have been one of the top teams in the competition this season and have been a force to defeat by putting together a streak of good performances. They dropped points in their last game against West Bromwich Albion. Due to the draw, they have lost their place at the top of the table as Yorkshire rivals, Leeds United have taken the spot with a difference of two points. They have won, lost three and drawn six out of the 24 matches to stay second with 49 points.
In the last six seasons, Sunderland has never lost their opening league game of the year while Sheffield are winless in their opening fixture since the last five seasons.
Sunderland Team News
The hosts are suffering with an injury problem as their list remains long. They are still without their attacking midfielder Chris Rigg and Adil Aouchiche is expected to continue in the playing XI along with top scorer Wilson Isidor. Defenders, Dan Ballard, Jenson Seelt and Niall Huggins are all ruled out along with midfielders Alan Browne and Salis Abdul Samed.
In attack they have trio Tommy Watson, Ahmed Abdullahi and Romanie Mundle unavailable for this fixture.
Sheffield United Team News
Club’s top scorer in the league with six-goals, Tyrese Campbell will be absent due to a back injury and will be a great blow considering the opponent they will face. Femi Seriki, Harry Souttar, Ollie Arblaster and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi are also nursing injuries. They will bank on striker Kieffer Moore for goals and he will be expected to be supported by Gustavo Hammer and Callum O’Hare.
Sunderland vs Sheffield United Predicted Lineups
Sunderland Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Patterson
Defenders: Hume, Meoham, Ballard, Cirkin
Midfielders: Neil, Bellingham, Rigg
Attackers: Roberts, Mayenda, Isidor
Sheffield United Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Cooper
Defenders: Gilchrist, Souttar, Robinson, Burrows
Midfielders: Peck, Davies, Hamer
Attackers: O’Hare, Brewster, Moore
Sunderland vs Sheffield United Head-to-Head Record
Both the teams have faced each other 12 times. Sunderland have won in five occasions while seven matches have ended in Sheffield United’s favour. None of the game ended in a draw.
| Matches | Competition |
| Sheffield United 1-0 Sunderland | 2024, Championship |
| Sunderland 1-2 Sheffield United | 2023, Championship |
| Sheffield United 2-1 Sunderland | 2022, Championship |
| Sheffield United 0-1 Sunderland | 2019, EFL Cup |
| Sheffield United 3-0 Sunderland | 2017, Championship |
Key Players to Watch Out For in Sunderland vs Sheffield United
Jobe Bellingham (Sunderland)
The English midfielder has been an important player for Sunderland this season. He has so far scored four goals and assisted three in the Championship. He has understood the situations and has reacted as per it. His vision, creativity and passing made him one of the orchestrators in the team.
Kieffer Moore (Sheffield United)
In the absence of the striker Tyrese Campbell, Moore would be very important for the team in the upcoming game against Sheffield United. He has been crucial in their dream of returning back to the Premier League. He has scored five times including two goals in the last three games. His arial ability is something that Sunderland defenders need to worry about.
Sunderland vs Sheffield United Prediction
Sheffield has been one of the top teams in the championship this season and expect them to go all in after their draw against West Brom. Sunderland also will look to stand against a worthy opponent and prove a point but things would be very likely going in favour for the blades.
Prediction: Sunderland 1-2 Sheffield United
Where to Watch Sunderland vs Sheffield United Live?
| Country | Where to watch |
| USA | Paramount+ |
| UK | Sky Sports |
| India | Fancode |
Also Read: Inter Milan vs Atalanta Lineups, Preview, Prediction, Team News| Italian Super Cup, January 2, 2025
FAQs
When is Sunderland vs Sheffield United?
A. The Sunderland vs Sheffield United match will be played on 1st January at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland.
Where to Watch Sunderland vs Sheffield United for Free?
A. The game Sunderland vs Sheffield United can be watched on Fancode, Paramount+, and Sky Sports.
What is the predicted score in Sunderland vs Sheffield United?
A. The predicted score for Sunderland vs Sheffield United is 1-2 for Sheffield
What is the Head-to-Head for Sunderland vs Sheffield United?
Both the teams have faced each other 12 times. Sunderland have won in five occasions while seven matches have ended in Sheffield United’s favour. None of the games ended in a draw.