“Standout player" - Sheffield United issued Wembley warning ahead of play-off final clash with Sunderland | OneFootball

FLW’s Blades fan pundit highlights key Sunderland threats as United brace for unpredictable play-off final

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

As Wembley looms and the stakes soar, Sheffield United find themselves on the brink of redemption - one game away from bouncing straight back to the Premier League.

Chris Wilder’s side have marched to the playoff final with ruthless intent, brushing aside Bristol City with a commanding 6-0 aggregate win.

Standing between them and glory, however, is a Sunderland side built on late drama and youthful energy, a team that thrives when the pressure’s at its peak.

Dan Ballard, Bellingham and Mayenda named as key threats to Sheffield United’s Sunderland clash

Speaking with Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy of The Blades Ramble Podcast, Football League World asked our resident Blades expert which Sunderland player he was most fearful of ahead of Saturday’s play off final clash.

From emerging talents to rock-solid defenders, Jimmy identifies the individuals who could flip the script - and why the Blades, despite finishing well clear of their opponents in the table, won’t be taking anything for granted when it all comes down to 90 minutes in the capital, with semi-final match-winner Dan Ballard pin-pointed as the one that has caught the most attention.

“In terms of which Sunderland player I’m most fearful of, I think Mayenda, Mundle, both really exciting players, Le Fee takes the headlines, Jobe Bellingham... there’s a lot of players that can hurt us in that Sunderland side.” Jimmy told FLW.

“In terms of most fearful, that’s what strikes you initially, but their standout player, especially through the last two games has been Dan Ballard.

“How are we going to counter Dan Ballard? I think Kieffer Moore might play a part in that, and does that free up Ty Campbell to have a go at Luke O’Nien? Maybe so.

“But full respect to Sunderland, we won’t be taking anything for granted even though we have finished on a lot higher points total than they have.

Anything can happen in a one-off game and we’re expecting a really tough game on Saturday, but we have to be confident, we have to be confident looking at how the season’s panned out so far.”

While Sheffield United arrive at Wembley as favourites on paper, recent history offers a clear warning: playoff finals rarely follow the script.

Sunderland may have finished lower in the table and entered the playoffs under the radar, but their semi-final dismantling of Coventry City showed a team full of belief, pace and late-season momentum.

Players like Dan Ballard, Jobe Bellingham and Eliezer Mayenda offer a dangerous mix of physicality and fearlessness - exactly the kind of ingredients that can tilt tight matches.

For United, the challenge will be balancing their Premier League ambition with the discipline required on the day. They have the experience, the firepower, and the infrastructure to go up - but so much now hinges on 90 minutes under the arch.

This final isn’t just a shot at promotion. It’s a litmus test of character, clarity and control, where one lapse or one moment of brilliance could swing a season’s worth of work.