The League One play-off this weekend needs no introduction, as Wycombe Wanderers will take on Sunderland at Wembley Stadium on May 21.

One club has spent most of their history in the Non League, whilst the other has been crowned the champions of England six times.

Yet, they are both fighting it out for a place in the second tier of English football.

So, I spoke to the Sunderland Echo’s Joe Nicholson as we prepare for the final this weekend.

On paper, this is a real David vs Goliath battle. Will the Sunderland fans and team see it that way?

JN: “There has been more positivity heading into this play-off campaign compared to previous seasons as the side have finished strongly.

“They are on a 15-match unbeaten run and have lost just once since Alex Neil was appointed in February.

“Sunderland will go into the match as favourites but they have been here before.”

Considering that this is Sunderland’s fourth straight year in League One, was automatic promotion the main goal for the Black Cats this season?

JN: “Automatic promotion was definitely the aim at the start of the season under Lee Johnson.

“Johnson was sacked while the club were third in the league, yet the club’s hesitancy to appoint his successor (12 days) meant automatic promotion was already a long shot when Neil finally got the job.

“At that point, it looked like Sunderland would struggle to even get in the play-offs and they’ve had to go on an impressive run just to finish in the top six.

“Under Neil they averaged exactly two points per game, taking 30 points from 15 matches, to reach the play-offs.”

What is the perception of Wycombe Wanderers up in the North East?

JN: “Wycombe are seen as a physical and direct team.

“When Sunderland first played at Adams Park in 2019, Black Cats supporters were unhappy with some of the challenges that were made from the home players - particularly a reckless tackle from Marcus Bean on Duncan Watmore, which left the latter sidelined for the next few months.

“Wycombe’s promotion in 2020 also left a sour taste on Wearside as the Chairboys moved ahead of Sunderland on points per game and were promoted via the play-offs.

"Rob Couhig’s comments about Sunderland being a ‘Netflix show’ has also spiced things up ahead of the final.

"Luke O’Nien spent three years with Wycombe and got promoted with them in his final season with the club. What do the Sunderland fans think of him?

JN: “O’Nien is a great character in the Sunderland squad and has become a popular figure on Wearside due to his passion, commitment and off-field work.

“Earlier this year the midfielder was named the North East Football Writers’ Personality of the Year after raising more than £7,000 for NHS Charities Together and engaging with supporters by posting fitness videos during the lockdown.

“On the pitch, he has played in several different positions, including centre-back, wing-back and central midfield, and it’s still unclear what his best role really is.

“O’Nien was sidelined for several months following a shoulder surgery in November but has become a regular starter again and played 90 minutes in both matches against Sheffield Wednesday.”

Finally, what is your prediction?

JN: “It’s not going to be easy but I think Sunderland will have enough quality to come through.

“I expect Sunderland to have more of the ball and Neil has also set his side up to be wary of the counterattack, which is where Wycombe could hurt them.

“I’ll go 2-0 Sunderland.”