On Saturday afternoon, Sunderland will meet Wycombe Wanderers in the League One playoff final at Wembley Stadium. Both teams seek to secure promotion to the Championship with kickoff at 5 pm.
Sunderland head into the League Two play-off final full of confidence and boasting an impressive run of form. The 40-year-old boss suffered a 2-1 defeat at home against MK Dons in just his second game in charge, but the Black Cats have since put together a 15-game unbeaten run, including nine victories.
After finishing fifth in the League One table, Sunderland beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 on aggregate in the playoff semi-finals. In the second leg, Patrick Roberts scored a 93rd-minute winner at Hillsborough to set up a showpiece event with Wycombe in London.
Sunderland fans would rather not think about their side’s record in the playoffs, which has seen them fail to secure promotion in their last seven attempts over the last 35 years.
Wycombe Wanderers are punching above their weight by reaching this year’s League Two play-off final, but manager Gareth Ainsworth deserves all the plaudits that come his way. The Chairboys secured their place at Wembley Stadium on May 3 with a 2-1 win over MK Dons before beating Burton Albion 2-0 on aggregate in the semi-finals.
Sunderland vs Wycombe Head to Head
Both sides have six games against each other, with the hosts taking two wins while the visitors have one win. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Sheffield 1-1 Sunderland
- Sunderland 1-0 Sheffield
- Morecambe 0-1 Sunderland
- Sunderland 1-1 Rotherham
- Sunderland 5-1 Cambridge
Away
- MK Dons 1-0 Wycombe
- Wycombe 2-0 MK Dons
- Burton 1-2 Wycombe
- Wycombe 1-0 Sheffield
- AFC Wimbledon 1-1 Wycombe
Sunderland Team News
Sunderland boss Neil Lennon has confirmed that midfielder Carl Winchester is available for selection after recovering from a groin injury. At the same time, winger Aiden McGeady and Union Berlin loanee Leon Dajaku may also be available for selection. Since November, both players have been out of action with knee ligament damage and illness, respectively.
Wycombe Wanderers Team News
Wycombe players Anis Mehmeti, Jack Young, and Nick Freeman have all taken part in training over the last few weeks, but whether they are fit to feature this weekend remains to be seen.
Prediction and Odds
Wycombe managed the game well, frustrating their opponents and securing promotion to the Championship on penalties.
- Draw
- Goes to Penalties
- Both Teams to Score
