After both failed to end 2024 on a high, Championship promotion rivals Sunderland and Sheffield United will convene at the Stadium of Light on New Year's Day.

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Ending a five-match unbeaten streak, Sunderland were denied a precious point towards their promotion push on Sunday, as Stoke City struck during second-half stoppage time to consign the north-east outfit to a 1-0 defeat.

The hosts were under caretaker management and had not won in 10 games, so Regis Le Bris bitterly lamented his side's failure to take one of several big chances, having struck the post twice.

Nonetheless, Sunderland still occupy fourth place in the table on 44 points, five behind Sheffield United, who hold the second automatic promotion spot as things stand.

The Black Cats now kick off 2025 back at the Stadium of Light, where they are undefeated in the Championship this season, with seven wins from 11 games so far.

After a rare setback, Le Bris will expect his team to resume normal service on home turf - and recent history is on their side. Sunderland have not lost their opening league game of the year in any of the last six seasons.

By contrast with their hosts, Sheffield United are winless in five year-opening fixtures since beating Wigan 3-0 in 2019 - but the head-to-head record weighs heavily in the Blades' favour.

They have won their last five league games against Sunderland - all in the Championship - including November's 1-0 victory at Bramall Lane, which saw Tom Davies score a late winner after both teams went down to 10 men.

Chris Wilder's side come into this contest having taken just one point from two post-Christmas fixtures, following a Boxing Day defeat to Burnley by drawing 1-1 with West Brom last time out.

First-half goals from Andre Brooks and Karlan Grant saw the points shared in Sheffield, where United had won nine of 10 league games coming into the festive period.

Overtaken by Yorkshire rivals Leeds United, who now lead the Championship by two points, the Blades will look to bounce straight back by extending a six-match unbeaten streak away from home.

Sunderland possible starting lineup:

Patterson; Hume, Mepham, O'Nien, Cirkin; Neil, Bellingham; Roberts, Aleksic, Aouchiche; Isidor

Sheffield United possible starting lineup:

Cooper; Gilchrist, Robinson, Ahmedhodzic, Burrows; Davies, Peck; Brooks, O'Hare, Hamer; Moore