Darren Moore is still dividing opinion at Hillsborough despite guiding the Owls into the play-offs at the first time of asking. The former West Bromwich Albion and Doncaster Rovers boss took over at Sheffield Wednesday with the club in freefall but has since steadied the ship and his side are the bookmakers' favourites heading into the play-offs.
In reality, the latest odds count for nothing, as Sunderland supporters know all too well. Both sides have won one game apiece in the head-to-head battle this season, with the Black Cats edging out in front with goal difference of plus two from the two games.
The Black Cats have been here before and play-off heartache is something fans are accustomed to, but there's hope this time will be different. Wednesday have the best home record in the division and Sunderland are just two points behind them in that regard, while both sides boast a similar record on their travels this season.
READ MORE: Bookmakers cast their verdict on Sunderland's League One play-off hopes
All signs point towards a cagey double header, with the second leg at Hillsborough next Monday. However, Alex Neil's side know that they can take advantage of some 'unfinished business' in S6.
According to Wednesday talisman, Barry Bannan, Moore has been the target of "unfair" criticism this season with the Owls hopeful of an immediate return to the Championship. With that comes pressure. "It’s part and parcel of football, we all get it," Bannan told Yorkshire Live.
"Managers are usually the first to get it, which is quite unfair because it’s the players that are on the pitch. Blame us first, because we’re the ones out there influencing the result.
“The gaffer has been quite unlucky. This is his first season starting the project, he’s only just brought in the players he wants to work with and so it was always going to take time.
“I saw the other day that this season was the third-highest points tally we’ve ever had as a club, so he’s not done a bad job. We’ve got unfinished business and hopefully he can put all those negative comments back down people’s throats when we get promoted at the end of the season.”
Of course, Sunderland themselves know all about pressure, with this being their fourth consecutive season in the third tier of English football, but they can look to capitalise on the strenuous relationship between Moore and the fanbase. If the Black Cats head to Hillsborough with a lead from the first leg, they must do all they can to frustrate the Owls and make for an uncomfortable afternoon for Moore and his side.
