Sunderland vs Wycombe Wanderers: League 1 play off final preview
Kick-off: 15:00, 21st May.
Sunderland manager Alex Neil will be looking to get the Black Cats promoted after 4 seasons in League 1 following their semi-final success against Sheffield Wednesday and a 15-match unbeaten streak which see’s Sunderland going into the final in great form.
Sunderland will start with talisman Ross Stewart up front, who will be looking to net his 26th goal of the season with assistance from playmaker Alex Pritchard, who has 7 assist this season in 25 starts. Neil will also hope that the in-form Nathan Broadhead will be available for action as he has bagged 10 goals in 15 starts for the Black Cats however, his game time has been limited of late due to picking up a hamstring injury against Morecambe, on the final day of the season.
Just under 40,000 Mackem’s are expected to make the journey to the capital, and it is vital for Alex Neil’s side to get over the line if they want to avoid a 5th straight season in League 1.
Injuries and suspensions: Jordan Willis injured.
Probable lineup (4-2-3-1): A Patterson, L Gooch, B Wright, D Batth, D Cirkin, C Evans, L Onien, P Roberts, A Pritchard, J Clarke, R Stewart.
Top scorers: Stewart 25, Broadhead 10, Embleton 8.
Wycombe Wanders also come into the play off final in fine form as they ended the league campaign 12 games unbeaten securing the last play-off spot on the final day and successfully got past MK dons over 2 legs in the play-off semi-final.
Gareth Ainsworth will be looking to repeat what he did 2 seasons ago as his side got past Oxford United at Wembley which secured them promotion to the championship.
The Chair Boys will start with leading scorer Sam Vokes up front, and Ainsworth will hope that Vokes can continue his fine scoring form having scored 2 in his last 3 games and a total of 17 over the season.
Wycombe have the 6th best defensive record in League 1 this season and they will be looking to keep Sunderland’s danger men quiet whilst carrying their own threat going the other way, through the likes of wingers Garath McCleary and Jordan Obita, who look to put the ball in the box at any given opportunity.
Injuries and suspensions: None.
Probable lineup (4-2-3-1): D Stockdale, J McCarthy, A Stewart, R Tafazolli, J Jacobson, J Scowen, D Gape, G McCleary, D Horgan, J Obita, S Vokes.
Top scorers: Vokes 17, Mcleary 11, Mehmeti 7.
