An awkward date with an old flame’s younger sister – Alex Miller on Sheffield Wednesday v Sunderland u21s

Sheffield Wednesday will host Sunderland under-21s at Hillsborough on Tuesday in the EFL Trophy. Writer Alex Miller describes the fixture as an awkward reminder of the contrasting fortunes between the two former League One rivals, noting Sunderland's ascent to top-flight and European football while Wednesday remain in League One.

Miller argues that facing youth sides in the tournament represents a humiliating ritual for established clubs, despite offering cheap tickets and playing minutes. However, he highlights that Wednesday's new leadership is taking inspiration from Sunderland's sustainable model to rebuild the club and eventually follow their path back up the football pyramid.