Sunderland fans may recall that VAR was previously in operation during the club’s League One play-off final against Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley. On that occasion, the technology was available but ultimately went unused in any major incidents. To date, that remains the only competitive fixture in Sunderland’s history where VAR has been in place.

Almost begrudgingly they responded: “Predicting the outcome of the Championship Play-Off Final between Sheffield United and Sunderland on Saturday, May 24, is challenging, but based on current form and available data, Sheffield United appear to have the upper hand.”