Sunderland fans need no reminding how their previous play-off campaigns have gone. Out of their last six attempts, the Black Cats have failed every time.
Last year's defeat to Lincoln City at this stage of the campaign was a stark reminder of how much work needed to be done, both on and off the pitch. Sunderland were outclassed in the away tie at Sincil Bank, and despite dominating the first-half at the Stadium of Light, capitulated in the second-half to see their play-off final hopes fade away.
This is the third time in four season's that the Wearsiders have reached the play-offs, the desperate need for promotion growing with every missed opportunity. It's a different story for that of Sheffield Wednesday.
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While they're far from play-off experts, the Owls tasted their first end-of-season success in 2005 under Paul Sturrock. Wednesday defeated Hartlepool United 4-2 after extra time in the final to secure promotion to the Championship.
However, they've not fared well since then. Wednesday were beaten 1-0 by Hull City in the 2016 Championship play-off final. Then a year later, the Owls saw a 1-0 lead in the second leg against Huddersfield Town slip through their fingers and suffered a penalty shootout defeat in the semi-finals against their Yorkshire rivals.
The upcoming double header is almost too close to call with both sides boasting an impressive record at home and similar away fortunes. There's always some good fortune for the side that wins promotion via the play-offs and Sunderland are well overdue a slice of luck.
