Sunderland and Wycombe Wanderers combined XI: Who makes our eleven ahead of next weekend’s Wembley Play-off final

Sunderland face Wycombe Wanderers in the League One Play-off final next Saturday in a clash which will see some of the division’s best face-off. 

With the amount of talent in both squads, we thought it would be interesting to see who we would have in a lineup if both teams combined squads. 

Black Cats head coach Alex Neil and Wanderers boss Gareth Ainsworth both used a 4-2-3-1 formation in their playoff semi-finals, and that’s likely how both sides will line up at Wembley next Saturday. 

Here’s the Team:  

GK – David Stockdale (Wycombe) 

After taking the number one shirt from former ‘keeper Ryan Allsop last season, Stockdale stayed at the club following relegation from the Championship last season and has played 51 times this year keeping 20 clean sheets. 

RB – Jason McCarthy (Wycombe) 

McCarthy is in his fourth spell at the club making 145 appearances for the Chairboys including 38 this term. The former Southampton man is always a solid option in the right-back role. 

CB – Bailey Wright (Sunderland)  

Wright has been ever-present in the Sunderland backline since Alex Neil’s arrival in February. The Australian international has played 37 times this term and been a huge part in the Black Cats current 15 game unbeaten run. 

CB – Ryan Tafazolli (Wycombe) 

Similarly, to Sunderland, Wycombe came into the playoffs in brilliant form and the 6’5 Centre-half was a huge reason for that. Tafazolli is hugely experienced in the EFL following spells with Peterborough and Hull City. 

LB – Joe Jacobson (Wycombe) 

Club captain Jacobson has played over 300 times for Wycombe since signing in 2014. The full-back is a brilliant set-piece taker and has amassed 10 goal contributions from left-back this term. 

CM – Corey Evans (Sunderland) 

Evans had a rough start to his Sunderland career struggling to get going with a few injuries hampering his game time. However, he has been given a slightly different role under Neil and has been a standout performer in recent weeks. 

CM – Anis Mehmeti (Wycombe) 

The 21-year-old midfielder has been a star for Wanderers this year and with 11 goal contributions in 32 games he will certainly have suitors if they fail to get promotion this year. 

RW – Patrick Roberts (Sunderland) 

England youth international Roberts has made 16 appearances for the club since signing from Manchester City in January, many of them from the bench as he looked to gain match fitness. Roberts is starting to show his quality for the Black Cats and was a huge threat in their playoff semi-finals. 

CAM – Alex Pritchard (Sunderland) 

Tottenham academy product Pritchard has been key for Sunderland this season with 13 goal contributions. The playmaker’s quality has shone through, and it is clear to see he has played at a higher level. 

LW – Nathan Broadhead (Sunderland) 

Before this season 24-year-old Everton loanee Broadhead had only played 20 professional games yet this season has looked more than equipped for the professional game. Averaging a goal every other game, the forward has been outstanding when called upon this season. 

ST – Ross Stewart (Sunderland) 

Sunderland Player of the Year Stewart stepped up to the mantle left by Charlie Wyke when he left for Wigan last season. With 25 goals and a much better all-round game, the former Ross County man has been one of League One’s standout players this term.