Sheffield Wednesday vs Sunderland betting tips: League One play-off semi-final second leg preview, predictions and odds

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First leg score: Sunderland 1-0 Sheffield Wednesday

Only once before have Sunderland won the first leg of a play-off tie, advancing past Portsmouth three years ago. Friday was the first time Sheffield Wednesday have ever lost the first leg of a play-off tie. The Black Cats have lost 12 of their last 22 visits to Hillsborough, dating back to 1956.

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Under 2.5 goals is 13/20.

Sunderland to win or draw is 4/6.

Lee Gregory is 5/1 to break the deadlock and 15/8 to score anytime.

Ross Stewart got the only goal on Friday night. He is 11/2 to open the scoring and 2/1 to repeat that feat.

Match preview

Sunderland v Sheffield Wednesday – Sky Bet League One – Stadium of Light Sheffield Wednesday’s Barry Bannan (left) and Sunderland’s Elliot Embleton battle for the ball during the Sky Bet League One match at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland. Picture date: Thursday December 30, 2021. (Photo by Richard Sellers/PA Images via Getty Images)

On Friday night, these two met at a sold-out, raucous Stadium of Light, with almost 45,000 in attendance.

The only goal of the night came in first half stoppage time, and what a calamitous goal it was from a Sheffield Wednesday point of view.

Sam Hutchinson really should’ve dealt with a hopeful ball forward, but his pocket was picked by Ross Stewart.

The Scottish striker raced clear, had his initial effort saved by Bailey Peacock-Farrell, but managed to squirm home the rebound.

In truth, Sunderland really should’ve won by more, Alex Pritchard whacking the cross-bar, but it’s only a one-goal margin they’ll take to West Yorkshire.

Now, who will rubber stamp their ticket to Wembley for 12 days time?

Sunderland suffered back-to-back relegations in 2017 and 2018, and have been rooted at this level ever since.

The Black Cats fell in the play-offs to Charlton in 2019 and Lincoln last season, so will be hoping it is third time lucky.

Sheffield Wednesday meanwhile are still aiming for an immediate return to the Championship, after enduring their first League One campaign for a decade.

Darren Moore’s men have the best home record in the division this season, winning 16 of 23 games, and will need another big performance in front of their own supporters.

Who will be celebrating after this huge Monday night second leg at Hillsborough?

Sheffield Wednesday team news

Sheffield Wednesday v Reading – The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – JANUARY 26: A general view of a corner flag at Hillsborough Stadium ahead of The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Sheffield Wednesday and Reading on January 26, 2018 in Sheffield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

Lee Gregory and Saido Berahino scored 21 goals this season between them, and will be hoping to be the heroes again.

Barry Bannan will captain the side and be creator in chief.

Bailey Peacock-Farrell has kept 17 clean sheets in 46 appearances this season, and another one here will be key if they’re to turn the tie around.

Sunderland team news

Max Power during Gillingham v Sunderland – Sky Bet League One GILLINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM – AUGUST 22: Max Power of Sunderland battles for possession with Billy Bingham of Gillingham during the Sky Bet League One match between Gillingham and Sunderland at Priestfield Stadium on August 22, 2018 in Gillingham, United Kingdom. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

It was no surprise that Ross Stewart was the hero on Friday night, scoring his 25 goal of the season, since arriving from Ross County.

He, Alex Pritchard and Everton loanee Nathan Broadhead will continue to lead the attack.

Aiden McGeady hasn’t featured since 23 November due to a knee injury.

Final League One table:

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