The richest game in football, the Championship playoff final, takes place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 24. Last Word on Football takes a look at the players from both Sunderland and Sheffield United who could make the difference in the race for the Premier League.
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Sunderland
Eliezer Mayenda
Lightening quick, with an eye for goal, and comfortable on the wing or as a striker, 20-year-old Spanish forward Mayenda has gone from fringe player to fan favourite under head coach Regis Le Bris.
The April goal-of-the-month winner, thanks to a solo goal that started deep in his own half has impressed former Sunderland striker and Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman. He said: “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.”
Enzo Le Fee
An attacking midfielder with flair, skill and the ability to see a pass few others can. Prefers to play a more central role but has been playing on the wing due to others being injured. Don’t let this fool you into thinking that he is less effective out wide, as despite being more than capable of beating his defender and crossing for others, he is just as likely to cut inside, shoot or play a defence-splitting pass.
Dan Ballard
Returned from injury to start both semifinal games against Coventry City and be instrumental in the Black Cats reaching Wembley. The central defender produced two man-of-the-match performances and scored the last-second winner in extra time of the second leg to win the tie for Sunderland and produce scenes never seen before at the Stadium of Light.
A rock at the heart of Sunderland’s defence alongside Luke O’Nien, he is crucial when the team are defending and a threat from set pieces when attacking.
Sheffield United
Gus Hamer
The EFL Championship Player of the Month, Gus Hamer, has been Sheffield United’s main man this season. With 10 goals and seven assists as United finished with 28 wins and 90 points, Hamer could be the Blades’ biggest threat against Sunderland on Saturday.
Speaking after receiving his award, Hamer said: “I feel delighted, I’m buzzing. Except for promotion as a team, this is the best reward you can get as a player.
“I speak a lot with our captain Jack Robinson and he said to me last week ‘we need you more than ever at the moment’. That gives you a boost as player that the captain is giving you responsibility. I can be really happy with how I’ve done so far but we’re not done yet.”
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Tyrese Campbell
Signed on a free transfer last summer from Stoke City, Tyrese, the son of former Everton and Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell, has scored 10 goals in 21 starts this season.
His willingness to run with the ball to create chances for himself or others can cause defenders problems, especially on a counterattack. However, he is also a poacher in the opposition box, with nine of his 10 goals coming from this area.
Harrison Burrows
Signed from Peterborough United last summer, 23-year-old Burrows quickly became one of the best attacking left-backs in the Championship. Attack-minded but equally good at defending, Burrows has scored six goals and made six assists this season. Three of those assists came in the semifinal against Bristol City as they eased into the final 6-0 on aggregate.