Sunderland's Trai Hume tussles with Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon
Sunderland's Trai Hume tussles with Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon
We are just 90 minutes away from discovering whether Tyne-Wear derbies will return next season as Sunderland head to Wembley with Premier League promotion at their fingertips. The Black Cats' pre-match tifo read "'til the end", with Dan Ballard then popping up - with essentially the last touch of the game - to head home in the final minute of extra time.
Sunderland now travel to the home of football knowing a £200m prize is on the line as they look to make their top flight return after close to a decade away. Only Sheffield United stand in their way as third takes on fourth on May 24th.
Newcastle United fans will no doubt be split over whether they want their arch-rivals to succeed at Wembley later this month, with the scars of many derby day defeats in the Mike Ashley era still yet to truly heal. Others will likely relish the opportunity to welcome Tyne-Wear clashes returning to these shores given the divergence in fortunes between the two sides since they last met in the Premier League back in 2017.
For anyone hoping Sunderland remain in the second tier, perhaps look away now. That's because Sheffield United's play-off record is nothing short of dismal.
The Blades have endured nine play-off campaigns in total but have never tasted promotion through that particular route. To add, in each of their four play-off finals to date, they have failed to find the net.
Newcastle United made light work of their neighbours in last season's FA Cup third round, leaving the Stadium of Light with a 3-0 win courtesy of two Alexander Isak strikes and a Dan Ballard own goal. Eddie Howe, therefore, has already enjoyed some Tyne-Wear derby delight - but does he want to tackle the fixture on a more regular basis?
Quizzed on the matter earlier this month, he said: "I think I was asked this yesterday and I very much sat on the fence. If the games come, we'll embrace the games.
"But it's interesting to see the playoffs. Obviously I saw a bit of the game last night [Sheffield United vs Bristol City] and I think the playoffs always have a lot of drama, so let's wait and see."