“He will so terrify us” Sheffield United Boss Chris Wilder picks out one Sunderland player they must stop in Championship play-off final
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder knows all about the Sunderland threats
Sheffield United and Sunderland go head to head for the third time this season when the two sides clash in the Championship play-off final at Wembley on Saturday.
And while the two teams know each other well, it is expected to be a tight and nervy affair as Regis Le Bris and his Blades counterpart, Chris Wilder, set out their tactics for the biggest game of the season.
Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has watched a lot of both sides this campaign in his EFL role and has named the Sunderland player he feel United should be wary of and who they will have earmarked for special treatment – Eliezer Mayenda.
With vast riches and a place in the Premier League at stake, former Black Cats striker Goodman reckons Mayenda could be key in the £220million-showpiece.
The Blades are undoubtedly the favourites heading into the tie, with a 14-point gap separating the two sides in the regular season. That will count for nothing, though, and Wilder will be well aware of this weekend being a one-off occasion where anything can happen.
With anticipation building ahead of a blockbuster afternoon, Goodman has picked the Sunderland player that he thinks Sheffield United will be most focused on stopping.
Speaking to Football League World, he said: “I think there are a few Sunderland players that Sheffield United will have already experienced this season that caused them pain. Wilson Isidor is one, but I think if I could only pick one then I’d have to go for Eliezer Mayenda.
“He caused them unbelievable problems at the Stadium of Light in the 2-1 win on New Year’s Day. I know they’re both set up slightly differently from when they both played in that particular game, but nevertheless, he retains that ball-carrying attribute and the pace to hurt any defence in the Championship.
“He scored one, assisted the other as well as having one or two other chances in the play-offs against Coventry, so I’m pretty confident Sheffield United will be trying very much to stifle him.”
At only 20, Mayenda has been such a creative force in this successful Sunderland team, and has grasped his chance from the faith shown by Regis Le Bris to start him in both play-off matches.
Possessing dangerous pace and a direct runner to give Championship defenders headaches, Mayenda’s battle off the left with Hamza Choudhury could be pivotal for the result.
