Exclusive: Don Goodman sends Eliezer Mayenda warning to Sheffield United ahead of Sunderland final | OneFootball

Don Goodman believes Sheffield United will be most wary of Eliezer Mayenda after his performances in the play-off semi-final against Coventry City.

Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman believes Eliezer Mayenda will be a dangerous spark for Sunderland in the play-off final this weekend, insisting Sheffield United will be most wary of his presence.

The Black Cats lock horns with the Blades at Wembley on Saturday afternoon, with the winner claiming £220 million and a golden ticket back to the Premier League.

Sheffield United are undoubtedly the favourites heading into the tie, with a 14-point gap separating the two sides in the regular season, while Chris Wilder’s men only needed 180 minutes to dispatch Bristol City, compared to the Black Cats being pushed into the dying embers of extra time against Coventry City.

Nevertheless, the Championship is so exciting and loved for its unpredictability, and particularly in a one-off game, anything could unfold in north-west London.

With anticipation building ahead of a blockbuster afternoon, Don Goodman has picked the Sunderland player that he thinks Sheffield United will be most focused on stopping.

Don Goodman backs Eliezer Mayenda to thrive in play-off final

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, pundit Don Goodman believes Sheffield United will be wary of the threat Eliezer Mayenda can bring, particularly after the 20-year-old dazzled against the Blades in their last meeting as well as in the play-off semi-final.

Goodman said: “I think there are a few Sunderland players that Sheffield United will have already experienced this season that caused them pain. 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.”

Eliezer Mayenda battle could be key to play-off final outcome

At only 20, Eleizer 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, with the Blades set to leak numerous opportunities if the Black Cats attacker gets the better of his marker this weekend.

Meanwhile, if the Blades can come out on top in that battle, then the service to the Sunderland attackers will be bound to dry up, giving Sheffield United the upper hand to secure victory and a place in the top-flight.