Sunderland installed as favourites to end 48 year Wembley hoodoo against Tranmere in Papa John's Trophy
Sunderland have been installed as early favourites to win the Papa John’s Trophy at Wembley.
Lee Johnson’s side played out a 1-1 draw in their semi-final match against Lincoln City at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday night.
The tie was decided via a penalty shootout with local lad Grant Leadbitter converting his side's fifth spot-kick and sending Sunderland to Wembley.
The Black Cats will meet Tranmere Rovers in the final on Mother’s Day with the fixture scheduled for Sunday, March 14.
Sunderland haven't won at Wembley since the famous FA Cup win over Leeds United in 1973.
Indeed, the North East club have tasted defeat in finals at Wembley a whopping seven times since Bob Stokoe’s iconic sprint onto the turf almost 48 years ago.
And Black Cats supporters will not have forgotten the penalty defeat to Portsmouth in the final of the Papa John's Trophy just two seasons ago.
That heartbreak was accompanied by another the following May as Sunderland lost to Charlton in the League One play-off final to a last-minute goal.
Despite the Wembley hoodoo, however, the bookies have installed Sunderland as favourites to defeat Tranmere Rovers.
Bet365, SkyBet and BetVictor have the Black Cats as 8/11 on to win the final, with Betfair and Paddy Power offering odds of 4/6.
A draw after 90 minutes is priced at 5/2 by all of the outlets offering a market on the clash.
On a Tranmere Rovers win, punters can get longer odds of 10/3, 18/5, 17/5 and 7/2.