Sheffield United and Sunderland face-off at Wembley on Saturday evening
Sheffield United v Sunderland Free Bets & Match Preview
Date & Time: Saturday, 24 May 2025, 3:01pm (UK)
Venue: Wembley Stadium
Blades, Black Cats and the Battle for the Big Time: Sheffield United and Sunderland Face-Off at Wembley
Wembley Awaits as Promotion Beckons
The stakes couldn’t be higher this Saturday afternoon as Sheffield United and Sunderland go head-to-head beneath the Wembley arch in the Championship playoff final – English football’s richest single match. With a place in next season’s Premier League on the line, this clash promises nerves, noise, and perhaps the odd nosebleed in the stands. And for punters hoping to turn tension into treasure, Betrino are offering £25 Get £50 in Free Bets offer for new customers – just the thing for a dramatic day in the capital.
Sheffield United arrive in London fresh from dishing out a six-goal demolition job over two legs against Bristol City in the semi-finals, while Sunderland were made to sweat all the way through extra time before finally toppling Coventry City in a thriller of their own.
Blades Back in Business?
Following a dismal 20th-place finish in the Premier League just one season ago – a campaign in which they picked up a meagre 16 points and only three wins – Sheffield United have dusted themselves off and are now just ninety minutes (or possibly 120… or penalties…) away from another crack at the big time.
Under Chris Wilder, the Blades have sharpened up beautifully. A commanding third-place finish in the Championship table saw them amass a massive 14-point cushion over Sunderland, who staggered in behind them in fourth. Having become something of a regular at Wembley in recent years, United certainly won’t be cowed by the grandeur of the surroundings.
And their semi-final performance? Clinical. Ruthless. They put Bristol City to the sword with identical 3-0 victories in both legs. It was the footballing equivalent of being mugged twice by the same bloke in different jackets.
With only Burnley bettering their away record this season – Scott Parker’s lot collected 49 points on the road to the Blades’ 43 – Wilder’s men have proved they can handle the pressure away from the comforts of Bramall Lane.
Hamer Time at Wembley?
One player who could make all the difference for the Yorkshire outfit is Gustavo Hamer. The Dutch midfield maestro has been pulling the strings all season, notching 10 goals and supplying seven assists. Capable of the spectacular and partial to a goal from range, Hamer is the man Sunderland must shackle if they want to stand a chance.
Alongside him, expect Femi Seriki and Ben Brereton Diaz to cause problems in the capital, with the Blades boasting a largely clean bill of health. Unfortunately for fans of all things youth development, Ollie Arblaster remains sidelined after a long-term knee issue, while Rhys Norrington-Davies continues to struggle with groin trouble. Still, there’s more than enough steel in this Sheffield side to mount a serious promotion charge.
Sunderland’s Long Road Back
For Sunderland, the road back to the Premier League has been a winding and occasionally humbling one. Their last top-flight appearance came in 2016-17, and since then, they’ve spent four long years battling through the gritty grind of League One.
But under the stewardship of Régis Le Bris – adored in the North East despite being less popular than a flat pint in Lorient – the Black Cats are clawing their way back. The Frenchman is on the brink of iconic status at the Stadium of Light if he can guide Sunderland back to the top table.
Their semi-final with Coventry was about as dramatic as it gets. After Ephron Mason-Clark levelled the tie in the second leg, it looked like the Sky Blues might just snatch it. But deep into extra time, up stepped Dan Ballard – the man, the moment, the header – to send the Wearsiders through in the 122nd minute.
It was a timely turnaround, too, given they’d lost five straight league matches to end the regular season. But in classic playoff fashion, Sunderland have remembered how to win at precisely the right time.
Isidor Breaks the Drought
One of the more welcome surprises for Sunderland in recent weeks has been Wilson Isidor rediscovering his scoring boots. The French striker had endured a 13-game Championship dry spell before netting against Coventry – and now, the Wembley spotlight could be the perfect platform for his resurgence.
However, Le Bris has a few injury headaches to contend with. Jayden Danns and Ian Poveda are both ruled out, depriving the Black Cats of some firepower. Meanwhile, winger Patrick Roberts remains a doubt, nursing a calf issue picked up during the semi-final drama.
Predicted Lineups: Grit, Guile and Game Changers
Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United are expected to field a typically balanced side, with Wes Foderingham likely watching from the bench as Adam Davies remains preferred in goal. Ahead of him, Anel Ahmedhodzic, Jack Robinson and Callum Choudhury should form a sturdy back three, with Andre Brooks and Jili Buyabu providing energy on the flanks. In midfield, Hamer will orchestrate proceedings, flanked by Callum O’Hare, Vinicius De Souza Costa and Oliver Arblaster’susual deputy, George Baldock. Up front, Tom Cannon will likely partner the experienced Kieffer Moore.
Sunderland, meanwhile, are expected to go with Anthony Patterson between the sticks, protected by Trai Hume, Dan Ballard, Luke O’Nien and Dennis Cirkin. If fit, Patrick Roberts will line up with Dan Neil, Jobe Bellingham and Enzo Le Fee across midfield, while Wilson Isidor will be joined by Eliezer Mayenda in the final third.
Prediction: A Slender Slice of Steel
It’s a playoff final, which means caution, crunching tackles, and the occasional hoofed clearance into Row Z are all but guaranteed. While Sunderland’s journey has been valiant, the momentum – and the form – is firmly with the Blades.
With greater squad depth, a midfield maestro in Hamer, and the experience of Premier League football fresh in their minds, Sheffield United should have enough to edge it. Expect a tight one – but Wilder’s men to emerge from Wembley with promotion sewn up once again.
Prediction: Sheffield United 1-0 Sunderland
Final Whistle and Free Bets
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This is the game where dreams are made… and sometimes crushed with a deflected own goal in the 89th minute. Best of luck to both sides – and to anyone hoping to bag a profit before the final whistle.
From a Betting Perspective
The richest game in football is upon us, and as Sheffield United and Sunderland prepare to trade blows beneath the Wembley arch, bookmakers across the land are rubbing their hands together. There’s no shortage of markets to dip into – whether you fancy a sneaky scorer, a speculative correct score, or even a punt on the keepers pulling off heroics.
If you’re looking to add a little extra edge to the action, our featured UK betting sites are offering a vast range of great free bets on this match for new customers. Because if there was ever a match deserving of a dramatic, last-minute flutter, it’s this one.
Outright Winner and Trophy Lift: Who’ll Be Premier League-Bound?
When it comes to settling things in 90 minutes, Sheffield United head the betting at 11/8. They’re followed by a draw at 2/1, with Sunderland trailing slightly at 5/2 – which, let’s be honest, isn’t exactly outsider status, but it certainly paints the Blades as the slightly sharper edge.
For those backing silverware over speed, United are 4/6 to lift the trophy in whatever fashion necessary – be it in normal time, extra time, or the dreaded shootout. Sunderland, eager to end their eight-year top-flight exile, are priced at 6/5 to get their hands on the pot.
First Goalscorer: Who’ll Make Wembley Erupt First?
Now here’s where things get lively. If you’re the sort who fancies the first dance, then No Goalscorer at 6/1 is your ideal selection for a tense, cagey affair (and possibly a nap). But if you reckon someone will break the deadlock before half-time sandwiches are unwrapped, Tyrese Campbell leads the way at 13/2.
The familiar names follow – Thomas Cannon and Kieffer Moore both at 7/1, along with Sunderland’s Wilson Isidor, who’s remembered how to score just in time for the occasion. Young Ryan One comes next at 8/1, and Ben Brereton Diazand Eliezer Mayenda are both lurking at 9/1 for those who prefer their forwards with a flair for chaos.
If you like your scorers with a bit of midfield magic, Gustavo Hamer is 11/1, just ahead of Jesurun Rak-Sakyi at 10s, with a clutch of others – including Patrick Roberts, Chris Rigg, Tom Watson, and Andre Brooks – hovering around the 14/1mark.
And for those banking on the improbable (or just hoping to dine out on a great story), long shots like Callum O’Hare, Milan Aleksic, and Dan Neil are all knocking about in the 16/1 to 28/1 bracket. Heroics come from unexpected places, after all.
Anytime Goalscorer: Back Them to Pop Up at Some Point
For those not fussed about when the ball hits the net, just that it does, the anytime scorer market offers a more forgiving alternative. Tyrese Campbell again leads the pack at 29/10, with Kieffer Moore not far behind at 3/1.
Isidor and Cannon share 16/5 honours, while the promising Ryan One is a punchy 18/5. Brereton Diaz gets a generous 15/4, and Mayenda is offered at 4/1.
A band of others – including Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Rhian Brewster, Romain Mundle, Patrick Roberts, Jobe Bellingham, and Chris Rigg – sit in the 9/2 to 13/2 range. And if you fancy a bit of set-piece drama, midfielders like Enzo Le Fee, Callum O’Hare and even Alan Browne are all floating around the 17/2 to 10/1 zone. Perhaps one for your Betrino free bet?
Correct Score: Get Your Crystal Ball Out
Predicting the exact scoreline is the gambling equivalent of threading a needle in a hurricane, but it can be wildly rewarding. A sensible bet? 1-0 to Sheffield United at 11/2, or 2-1 at 9/1. A solid 2-0 fetches 10/1, while 3-0 bumps you up to 22/1.
Things start to get a little fantastical after that – 3-2 comes in at 45/1, while 4-0 or 4-1 are available at 75/1 and 80/1, respectively. 4-2? A wild 200/1.
For the cautious optimists, 1-1 is your favourite draw at 21/4, with 0-0 sitting at 33/5. 2-2 sits at 18/1, but 4-4? That’s 500/1. Could happen… in an alternate universe.
Sunderland fans dreaming of victory? 1-0 is 7/1, while 2-1 and 2-0 are 11/1 and 14/1. Higher scores climb fast, with 3-0priced at 40/1 and 4-2 hitting an absurd 225/1. Brace yourself for glory, or tears.
Half-Time/Full-Time: Plot the Story
Want to build a narrative? Fancy yourself as a footballing screenwriter? You can back Sheffield United to lead at both intervals at 31/10, or play it cautious with Draw/Draw at 18/5. The Draw/Sheffield United split is a tempting 23/5, especially for those expecting a second-half surge.
More chaotic options include Sunderland/Draw at 15/1 or Sunderland/Sheffield United at 40/1. Flip that around, and Sheffield United/Sunderland lands you a wacky 45/1. Stranger things have happened. Just ask Nottingham Forest fans.
Method of Victory: Will It Go the Distance?
If you’re convinced this won’t be settled in normal time, there’s value to be had. Sheffield United to win in 90 minutes is 11/8, while Sunderland in regulation is a meatier 23/10.
Penalties, though? Both sides are priced at 17/2 to win via spot-kicks. Extra time? United are 10/1, and Sunderland 14/1. For neutrals, a penalty shootout would be edge-of-the-sofa drama. For fans… well, best have something stronger than tea at hand.
Total Goals: Feast or Famine?
Bookies are expecting a fairly tight affair. Under 2.5 goals leads the way at 8/15, while Over 2.5 gets you 7/4. Think this will be one of those gritty, attritional afternoons? Under 1.5 pays 7/4, and Under 0.5 sits at 13/2.
If you think there’s more juice in this match, Over 3.5 is 24/5, while those predicting a goal-fest (and presumably some serious defending malpractice) can go as high as 66/1 for Over 8.5 goals.
Total Goals Exact: Nail the Number
Fancy guessing the exact number of goals in the game? Two goals is your market favourite at 12/5, followed by one at 11/4 and three at 7/2. A goalless 0? 6/1. Four or more? 7/1 and up. Seven or more goals? You’ll get 50/1. Might be worth a quid… for the laugh.
Goalkeeper Saves: The Unsung Heroes
Finally, some love for the shot-stoppers. Anthony Patterson to make over 2.5 saves is a snug 3/4, while Michael Cooper to do the same is 17/20. The odds stretch as the number climbs – Over 4.5 saves is 15/4 for Patterson, and 4/1 for Cooper. Think they’ll be peppered with shots? Over 7.5 is 28/1 apiece. Definitely one for the chaos lovers.
Winning Margin: Just How Much Will It Hurt?
The most likely outcome, according to the bookies, is Sheffield United to win by 1 goal at 14/5. A score draw is 15/4, while Sunderland to sneak it by one is 4/1. Fancy a hammering? Sheffield United by 4 or more is 40/1. Sunderland doing the same? A mammoth 90/1.
Final Thoughts
The playoff final is rarely pretty – but it’s almost always dramatic. Whether it’s a last-gasp header, a dodgy VAR call, or a shootout heartbreaker, something unforgettable tends to happen. Just remember: the vast range of bookmaker UK free bets offers could help soften the blow… or make the win all the sweeter.
Best of luck – on the pitch and at the bookies.
🏆 Outright Winner (90 Minutes)
| Result | Odds |
| Sheffield United | 11/8 |
| Draw | 2/1 |
| Sunderland | 5/2 |
🏆 To Lift Trophy (Any Method)
| Team | Odds |
| Sheffield United | 4/6 |
| Sunderland | 6/5 |
🛣️ Method of Victory
| Outcome | Odds |
| Sheffield United in 90 minutes | 11/8 |
| Sunderland in 90 minutes | 23/10 |
| Sheffield United in Extra Time | 10/1 |
| Sunderland in Extra Time | 14/1 |
| Sheffield United on Penalties | 17/2 |
| Sunderland on Penalties | 17/2 |
⚽ First Goalscorer
| Player | Odds |
| No Goalscorer | 6/1 |
| Tyrese Campbell | 13/2 |
| Thomas Cannon | 7/1 |
| Kieffer Moore | 7/1 |
| Wilson Isidor | 7/1 |
| Ryan One | 8/1 |
| Ben Brereton Diaz | 9/1 |
| Eliezer Mayenda | 9/1 |
| Rhian Brewster | 19/2 |
| Jesurun Rak-Sakyi | 10/1 |
| Gustavo Hamer | 11/1 |
| Romain Mundle | 12/1 |
| Chris Rigg | 14/1 |
| Patrick Roberts | 14/1 |
| Tom Watson | 14/1 |
| Andre Brooks | 14/1 |
| Callum O’Hare | 16/1 |
| Jobe Bellingham | 16/1 |
| Enzo Le Fee | 18/1 |
| Milan Aleksic | 18/1 |
| Harrison Burrows | 18/1 |
| Harrison Jones | 20/1 |
| Sydie Peck | 22/1 |
| Tom Davies | 25/1 |
| Alan Browne | 25/1 |
| Dan Neil | 28/1 |
🎯 Anytime Goalscorer
| Player | Odds |
| Tyrese Campbell | 29/10 |
| Kieffer Moore | 3/1 |
| Wilson Isidor | 16/5 |
| Thomas Cannon | 16/5 |
| Ryan One | 18/5 |
| Ben Brereton Diaz | 15/4 |
| Eliezer Mayenda | 4/1 |
| Jesurun Rak-Sakyi | 9/2 |
| Rhian Brewster | 23/5 |
| Gustavo Hamer | 5/1 |
| Romain Mundle | 5/1 |
| Patrick Roberts | 13/2 |
| Tom Watson | 13/2 |
| Jobe Bellingham | 13/2 |
| Chris Rigg | 13/2 |
| Andre Brooks | 13/2 |
| Harrison Burrows | 15/2 |
| Callum O’Hare | 17/2 |
| Milan Aleksic | 17/2 |
| Enzo Le Fee | 17/2 |
| Harrison Jones | 17/2 |
| Alan Browne | 10/1 |
| Tom Davies | 11/1 |
| Sydie Peck | 11/1 |
| Dan Neil | 12/1 |
🔢 Correct Score – Sheffield United Win
| Score | Odds |
| 1-0 | 11/2 |
| 2-1 | 9/1 |
| 2-0 | 10/1 |
| 3-0 | 22/1 |
| 3-1 | 24/1 |
| 3-2 | 45/1 |
| 4-0 | 75/1 |
| 4-1 | 80/1 |
| 4-2 | 200/1 |
🔢 Correct Score – Draw
| Score | Odds |
| 1-1 | 21/4 |
| 0-0 | 33/5 |
| 2-2 | 18/1 |
| 3-3 | 130/1 |
| 4-4 | 500/1 |
🔢 Correct Score – Sunderland Win
| Score | Odds |
| 1-0 | 7/1 |
| 2-1 | 11/1 |
| 2-0 | 14/1 |
| 3-1 | 35/1 |
| 3-0 | 40/1 |
| 3-2 | 55/1 |
| 4-0 | 150/1 |
| 4-1 | 150/1 |
| 4-2 | 225/1 |
| 5-0 | 300/1 |
⏱️ Half-Time / Full-Time
| Outcome | Odds |
| Sheffield Utd / Sheffield Utd | 31/10 |
| Draw / Draw | 18/5 |
| Draw / Sheffield Utd | 23/5 |
| Sunderland / Sunderland | 5/1 |
| Draw / Sunderland | 6/1 |
| Sunderland / Draw | 15/1 |
| Sheffield Utd / Draw | 15/1 |
| Sunderland / Sheffield Utd | 40/1 |
| Sheffield Utd / Sunderland | 45/1 |
🎯 Total Goals – Over/Under
| Goals | Over Odds | Under Odds |
| 0.5 Goals | — | 13/2 |
| 1.5 Goals | 13/25 | 7/4 |
| 2 Goals | 13/15 | 8/9 |
| 2.5 Goals | 7/4 | 8/15 |
| 3 Goals | 29/10 | — |
| 3.5 Goals | 24/5 | — |
| 4.5 Goals | 14/1 | — |
| 5.5 Goals | 28/1 | — |
| 6.5 Goals | 66/1 | — |
| 7.5 Goals | 66/1 | — |
| 8.5 Goals | 66/1 | — |
🎯 Total Goals – Exact
| Total Goals | Odds |
| 0 | 6/1 |
| 1 | 11/4 |
| 2 | 12/5 |
| 3 | 7/2 |
| 4 | 7/1 |
| 5 | 16/1 |
| 6 | 40/1 |
| 7 or more | 50/1 |
🧤 Goalkeeper Saves – Anthony Patterson
| Save Line | Odds |
| Over 2.5 Saves | 3/4 |
| Over 3.5 Saves | 7/4 |
| Over 4.5 Saves | 15/4 |
| Over 5.5 Saves | 15/2 |
| Over 6.5 Saves | 14/1 |
| Over 7.5 Saves | 28/1 |
🧤 Goalkeeper Saves – Michael Cooper
| Save Line | Odds |
| Over 2.5 Saves | 17/20 |
| Over 3.5 Saves | 19/10 |
| Over 4.5 Saves | 4/1 |
| Over 5.5 Saves | 15/2 |
| Over 6.5 Saves | 14/1 |
| Over 7.5 Saves | 28/1 |
📏 Winning Margin
| Outcome | Odds |
| Sheffield Utd by 1 Goal | 14/5 |
| Sunderland by 1 Goal | 4/1 |
| Score Draw | 15/4 |
| 0-0 Draw | 6/1 |
| Sheffield Utd by 2 Goals | 6/1 |
| Sunderland by 2 Goals | 10/1 |
| Sheffield Utd by 3 Goals | 16/1 |
| Sunderland by 3 Goals | 30/1 |
| Sheffield Utd by 4+ Goals | 40/1 |
| Sunderland by 4+ Goals | 90/1 |
