The good news for Wilder’s side is that the team finishing the regular season in third place has both reached the final (16 times) and won promotion via the play-offs to the Premier League (nine times) more than any other league position since the Championship rebrand in 2004/05.

Use precise geolocation data and actively scan device characteristics for identification. This is done to store and access information on a device and to provide personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. List of Partners (vendors)

Sunderland are preparing to take on Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final today (3pm) as they aim to achieve their Premier League dream. The Championship play-off final is held at Wembley Stadium,

Former Sunderland midfielder Julio Arca says "it's time for the club to be back in the Premier League" as they prepare for the Championship play-off final against Sheffield United. The Black Cats play the Blades at Wembley on Saturday and Arca told BBC Radio Newcastle: "When the game arrives tomorrow, I think the players will feel that atmosphere.

Keane has warned both play-off finalists they must be ‘harder to beat’ than Ipswich Town, Southampton and Leicester City, who were all condemned to an immediate return to the Championship after securing promotion into the Premier League just 12 months ago.

Sunderland are one game away from ending their eight-year absence from the Premier League but will have to upset the odds to beat Sheffield United in Saturday's Championship promotion playoff final at Wembley.