Sheffield United and Sunderland are just 90 minutes away from the promised land of the Premier League, as they get set to do battle in the Championship play-off final.
The Blades have never won a play-off campaign, and while the Black Cats have tasted success in the League One final previously, they are yet to win the final of the second tier competition.
Nevertheless, Saturday offers the opportunity for both clubs to write a new story in their long histories and Chris Wilder will be hoping that he can secure his third promotion with the South Yorkshire outfit and take them back to the Premier League just a year after relegation.
For Sunderland, however, this weekend could be a painful one if they are to taste defeat with plenty of their young stars sure to be targeted by those in the top flight. EFL Analysis has taken a look at five players from the two teams who could find themselves in the Premier League next season, whether promotion is won or not.
Five Championship play-off finalists destined for the Premier League this summer
Chris Rigg – Sunderland
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Chris Rigg has been excellent at times this season, and at just 17-years-old, the future is extremely bright for the midfielder who comes from a family of Newcastle United supporters.
It is clear to see that his Magpies roots have been abandoned, and he is a true fan favourite at the Stadium of Light. However, these impressive performances could come at a cost for Sunderland with Premier League sides circling.
Manchester United have been heavily linked with the teenager throughout this season, but Rigg has said that he has taken no notice of that interest in an interview with The Telegraph. But if the Black Cats do lose out at Wembley, a move to Old Trafford may just be on the cards.
Anel Ahmedhodzic – Sheffield United
Sheffield United’s Anel Ahmedhodzic has had an excellent season at the back for the Blades, although at the start of the season it would not have been a surprise to see him already playing back in the top flight.
The 26-year-old was one of the very few bright sparks for Sheffield United in the Premier League, and while he was not able to halt relegation.
He has been a key part of Wilder’s plans once again this campaign, and if his team do fail at Wembley, then a side towards the bottom end of the division may look to pick him up on a cheaper deal than would be expected.
Dan Ballard – Sunderland
It was Dan Ballard’s spectacular last minute header that sent Sunderland to Wembley against Coventry City in the semi-final, and the centre-back has proven his class on countless occasions this season for the Black Cats.
The 25-year-old left Arsenal for Wearside three years ago on a permanent deal, and he has been instrumental in helping his side blossom since promotion from League One.
With plenty of time left to improve, Ballard would be an excellent signing for a side pushing for the top half of the Premier League, and he could provide quality cover at the back for another side if his team miss out at Wembley.
Gustavo Hamer – Sheffield United
The Championship Player of the Season, Gustavo Hamer has had quite the year at Sheffield United.
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
In just his second campaign as a Blade, the former Coventry star has proven his quality on countless occasions and it would not be a surprise at all to see him return to the Premier League just 12 months after he was relegated from it.
As per The Star, the South Yorkshire outfit rejected a £13m bid from Leeds United last summer and the Whites may just return for another shot at the midfielder once the window opens as they prepare for life back in the top flight.
Jobe Bellingham – Sunderland
Borussia Dortmund are not letting up in their pursuit of Jobe Bellingham it seems, but the Premier League may still beckon for the young English midfielder, whether Sunderland win promotion or not.
At just 19, the world is the teenager’s oyster and he looks as though he may just follow in his brother’s footsteps by moving to Germany. However, the riches of the Premier League are hard to turn down and if the right bid comes in during the summer, the Black Cats may have their hand forced.
The future is bright for Bellingham, and he is destined to be a star. But with TalkSport reporting that interest is also coming from Manchester United, Saturday may just be his final game as a Sunderland player.