Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper (centre) will look to join Newcastle skipper Bruno Guimaraes and Crystal Palace forward Eberechi Eze in helping his side end a long wait for Wembley success Play-off finals are always nervy affairs but Sheffield United fans could be excused for going into Saturday's Championship showdown against Sunderland with an extra amount of apprehension. The Blades' record in the play-offs makes for sorry reading. In nine previous attempts, they have not been successful once and have failed to score in all four finals they have reached. Their record at Wembley, where they have not won since 1925, also leaves a lot to be desired. However, there are more than a couple of reasons for United fans to believe this is the year they finally break those hoodoos, as they look to secure an immediate return to the Premier League. If you're a football fan, there's a good chance you've noticed 2025 has been the year of clubs laying ghosts to rest. Newcastle United won the Carabao Cup in Marchto celebrate their first domestic trophy success in 70 years. Not to be outdone, Crystal Palace won the FA Cup final last weekend to lift major silverware for the first time in their history. Perhaps inspired by the Magpies and Eagles,Tottenham ended their 41-year wait for a European trophywith victory in the Europa League on Wednesday. It's not just England where long waits for glory have been ended either. Bologna won the Coppa Italia after 51 yearsand in the Netherlands, Go Ahead Eagles won the KNVB Cup for the first time in their 122-year history. In Germany, Bayern Munich winning the Bundesliga might not have been remotely unusual but it saw England's record goalscorerHarry Kane win a trophy for the first time in his career at the age of 31. This video can not be played Palace shock Man City to win first major trophy in their history Sheffield United fans might not want nor need reminding that, as it stands, they have the outright worst record in the play-offs. Nine attempts, nine failures. However, they can be buoyed by the fact that the two other teams who had records of zero from nine now both boast one from 10. Preston ended their play-off misery at the 10th attempt with a 4-0 hammering of Swindon Town in the League One play-off final in 2015 and now Premier League mainstays Brentford also made it 10th time lucky when they beat Swansea in the Championship play-off final in 2021. The Blades will hope to pass the unwanted title of worst play-off record to Lincoln City, who have failed to win promotion from seven attempts. Unsurprisingly, experienced United boss Chris Wilder is not getting caught up in what has gone before. "Everybody locally, and possibly nationally, talks about our play-off record but not one ounce of that has gone into my thinking or the players' thinking," Wilder told BBC Radio Sheffield. "They are ultra positive and focused and are looking forward to the challenge of going to Wembley and hopefully getting that win we're all after." He added: "I know people want to talk about the negativity of the play-offs but I haven't felt that." Thomas Frank led Brentford to promotion through the play-offs at the club's 10th time of asking with a 2-0 win over Swansea in May 2021 OK, so Sheffield United might have a wretched record in the play-offs and indeed at Wembley but there's one man key to their hopes who doesn't. Boss Wilder has never managed in the EFL play-offs before buthe haswon post-season promotion into the top four tiers. He led Oxford back to League Two in 2010 witha 3-1 win over York City at the national stadium. The 57-year-old has not fared too badly in this season's play-off campaign either - the Blades' 6-0 aggregate victory over Bristol City is the biggest winning margin in a play-off semi-final in the second tier to date. "Wembley is no place to lose, as everybody talks about," Wilder said. "Lots of people talk about it being the best way to go up and I've been consistent that I'd rather have done it automatically but we've been given an opportunity and we've taken it so far and we have another one on Saturday afternoon." Chris Wilder's only other Wembley experience as a manager saw him lead Oxford United to a 3-1 win over York to win promotion to League Two The 14 points that separated United from Sunderland in the Championship table means this play-off final is the first to be contested by teams who finished more than 12 points apart in the regular season. The bad news for Sheffield United is that, on that other occasion, Burnley made light of amassing a dozen fewer points than Stockport to win promotion to the second tier in 1994. However, in the history of the play-offs that is one of only two times (from eight) where a team has finished 10 or more points behind the team they played in the final and then come out on top. In the two games between the sides so far this season it's one apiece, with both sides winning their home match. "In any big game the team that handles the occasion and plays the game is going to come out on top," Wilder added. "I don't know what kind of game to expect from them. If they sit in then we will have to break them down. "They're a young side with plenty of energy and personality and have threats all over the pitch. They wouldn't have got the points they've got if they weren't a good side. "It's the same with us, we wouldn't have got 92 points if we hadn't done a lot of things right."
Can Sheffield United join this season's hoodoo breakers?
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Sheffield United Aims to Break Play-Off Curse Against Sunderland"
Bbc News
6.7
TruthLens AI Summary
Sheffield United is preparing for a crucial Championship play-off final against Sunderland, a match that carries significant weight for the club's history. With a dismal record of nine unsuccessful attempts in the play-offs, including four finals where they failed to score, the Blades have long been haunted by their Wembley history, last tasting victory there in 1925. However, there is a renewed sense of optimism among fans and players alike, as 2025 has seen several clubs break their own long-standing jinxes. Notably, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace recently ended their own trophy droughts, which has inspired Sheffield United to believe that they too can finally overcome their historical hurdles. The Blades' head coach, Chris Wilder, remains focused on the present and the task at hand, emphasizing a positive mindset as they approach this pivotal match.
Despite their past failures, Sheffield United can draw confidence from their recent form, having achieved a remarkable 6-0 aggregate victory over Bristol City in the play-off semi-finals. This performance sets a hopeful tone as they face Sunderland, a team they have split results with in their two league encounters this season. The Blades finished the regular season 14 points ahead of Sunderland, making this final notable for the significant gap in their league standings. However, historical trends show that teams with a similar point disparity have had mixed results in the play-offs. Wilder acknowledges the challenge ahead, recognizing Sunderland's youthful energy and talent, but remains steadfast in his belief that Sheffield United's experience and determination will guide them through this momentous occasion. As they prepare to step onto the pitch at Wembley, the Blades are driven by the desire to rewrite their narrative and finally secure promotion back to the Premier League.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents an overview of Sheffield United's challenging history in playoff finals, juxtaposed with recent successes of other clubs that have overcome long-standing barriers to success. It aims to evoke a sense of hope and anticipation among Sheffield United fans as they prepare for a significant match against Sunderland.
Historical Context and Current Challenges
Sheffield United has a disheartening playoff record, having failed in nine previous attempts, which highlights the psychological burden the team carries into this critical match. The mention of their long wait for success at Wembley since 1925 serves to underline the weight of expectation and anxiety among fans. By referencing the successes of clubs like Newcastle United and Crystal Palace, the article contrasts Sheffield United's struggles with the triumphs of other teams, suggesting a potential for change this season.
Creating a Sense of Anticipation
The article aims to instill a sense of optimism by suggesting that 2025 could be a turning point for Sheffield United. The narrative draws parallels between the club's situation and the recent successes of other teams that have similarly broken their own "hoodoos," thus fostering an atmosphere of hope. This approach seeks to rally support and enthusiasm among fans, potentially influencing their emotional investment in the upcoming match.
Potential Distractions or Omissions
While the article focuses on Sheffield United's challenges, it may downplay other relevant factors such as the team's current form, player injuries, or the strategies employed by their opponents. This omission could lead to an incomplete understanding of the dynamics at play in the upcoming match.
Manipulative Elements and Overall Reliability
The article employs a narrative that emphasizes emotional highs and lows, which can be seen as manipulative. By focusing on the concept of breaking curses and achieving long-awaited success, it may create unrealistic expectations among fans. The reliability of the article is somewhat compromised by this emotional framing, as it prioritizes storytelling over a comprehensive analysis of the match's variables.
Connection to Broader Trends
This article aligns with a broader trend in sports journalism that emphasizes narratives of redemption and overcoming adversity. By linking Sheffield United to the successes of other clubs, it taps into a cultural moment where fans are particularly receptive to stories of hope and triumph.
Impact on Stakeholders
The potential for Sheffield United to achieve success could have implications for various stakeholders, including investors, sponsors, and local businesses. A successful playoff could lead to increased revenue streams and heightened community engagement, which in turn could influence local economic conditions.
In summary, the article serves to rally Sheffield United fans by highlighting their historical struggles while placing them within the context of recent successes in football. The emotional narrative may overshadow a more balanced analysis of the upcoming match, but it effectively aims to foster hope and excitement in the fanbase.