The betting odds reveal for Saturday's Championship playoff final reveal the narrow favourite to reach the Premier League.
All eyes are on Wembley today as Sheffield United and Sunderland clash in the highly anticipated Championship Playoff Final.
With a place in the Premier League at stake, the stakes couldn’t be higher in the 'richest game in football'. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:01 (why such an obscure time?) - you can have your say through oddschecker on who will claim promotion to the promised land.
Who are the favourites for promotion from the Championship?
Sheffield United enter the final as slight favourites to earn promotion back to the top tier. The Blades finished higher in the regular season and maintained more consistency form throughout the campaign.
Outside of the league's runaway top two, Chris Wilder's side were the clear best of the rest. Their semi-final opponents Bristol City finished closer to the relegation zone than they did to Sheffield United. The Blades finished 14 points clear of Sunderland.
Their experience in high-stakes matches could also be a decisive factor. Sunderland, on the other hand, are dangerous underdogs and will take momentum from the nature of their playoff semi-final success.
By contrast, Sheffield United coasted into the final - keeping a clean sheet in both semi-final legs against Bristol City to make it just 36 conceded in 48 matches.
Odds on Sheffield United to Get Promoted
Sheffield United are currently priced at 8/11 (Betfair) to secure promotion to the Premier League, either in normal time, extra time or via penalties.
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Sunderland Odds to Win Championship Playoff
Despite being the underdogs, Sunderland are as short as 11/10 with some bookmakers but can be backed at a best price of 13/10.
Data from oddschecker reveals that 43% of bets in the 90-minute market have been placed on Sheffield United, with 20% backing Sunderland and 36% expecting a draw — suggesting many punters believe this could head to extra time, which is priced at 21/10 on BetVictor.
With little separating these two sides, it promises to be a more gripping spectacle than this week's Europa League final. While Sheffield United are narrow favourites, Sunderland have the tools to spring a surprise.
Sheffield United vs Sunderland Bet Builder
If you're looking for a bet builder on Sheffield United vs Sunderland, check out Matthew O'Regan's set of selections for the final - ranging from 6/5 to 170/1 on bet365.
He flags the possibility of Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper getting booked for time wasting. The 25-year-old has been booked three times already this season, while two goalkeepers were booked in the three EFL playoff finals last year.
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