We’re back in Sheffield again and don’t have to be subjected to football’s ultimate losers – the England band. After making the owl half of the Steel City cry last May (let’s ignore the League Cup loss because no-one cares), we can now hopefully make the red half of Sheffield feel slightly annoyed that they’ve been beaten by our hilariously gappy squad.

Following a goalkeeper scoring against us on Saturday, one can only imagine what next piece of hilarity will ensue on Wednesday night. Swan invades the pitch? Dog scores a legitimate goal or Sunderland actually purchase a player they desperately need? What crazy mishap will happen to Wearside’s finest live on the Sky cameras??

Anyway, there’s loads of great pubs in and around Bramall Lane which will undoubtedly ease your pain.

How Do I Get There?

For you lot driving, take the A19, A1(M) and the M1 to junction 34 then take the A6109 into Sheffield. Follow the signs for the city centre on the A61 past the train station and then keep an eye out for signs to Bramall Lane. The best bet in terms of parking is finding somewhere in the city centre and then walking over.

Sat nav losers: S2 4SU

Sheffield railway station is about a 20-minute walk from the stadium and you can take in a few lovely pubs en route.

What’s the Ground Like?

Really good actually. Trips to Bramall Lane are always pretty good, the atmosphere is great, the Blades fans sing about chip butties and it’s a ground that’s been there for four thousand years. Sunderland fans are in the lower tier of the Redbrik Estate Agency Stand (great name), it’s sold out and it should be pretty sound. Have a lovely old time.

Yer thirsty?

Once again, your good friends at Cans & Megabus are going to recommend the Sheffield Tap at Sheffield train station and The Rutland Arms on Brown Street as your pre-match watering holes. However, Bramall Lane is a bit more convenient for other actually good pubs that are just a short walk from the train station.

Triple Point Brewery on Shoreham Street has an excellent selection of craft beers and ales while The Red Lion and the Globe directly opposite the train station are typical favourites among away fans. If you have a little more time on your hands you can venture into the city and to Bungalows and Bears on Division Street, or swing by The Frog & Parrot, also on Division Street.

The latter, of course, is famous for being referenced by friend of the pod Alex Turner in Arctic Monkeys’ iconic smash hit ‘Cornerstone’.

What’s on in Sheffield?

On a Wednesday night? I dunno, probably something on West Street.