Premier League and EFL referee Mike Dean has made a bold prediction ahead the Papa John's Trophy clash between Sunderland and Tranmere Rovers.
Dean, who is a Rovers fan, believes both sides would rather "lose the final and get promoted".
The Black Cats head into the tie in fine form having won six of the last seven games and head into the tie as favourites.
"I think they're probably the favourites to start off with Sunderland before we even kicked anything off," said Dean.
"Ideally, I think both clubs would rather not win it and get promoted. I think both teams - Sunderland and Tranmere need to get promoted. It would have been a nice day out if we can get the result."
Dean has somewhat of a celebrity status among Rovers fans having refereed on the big stage for a number of years.
The 52-year-old has been in the centre at Wembley a number of times and says he knows what the players are going through.
Dean said: "It's nice, I mean because of the surroundings downstairs I kind of know what the players are going through.
"It's nice to change the view of the game so I'm watching it rather than refereeing it. It's nice to be a supporter it's just a pity I can't get there more to be honest with you.
"I've been luck enough to be there when it's full. It's probably better than the old Wembley to be honest with you there's more of an atmosphere.
"The Old Wembley, the fans were too far away with the greyhound track around the stadium. It's a pity that we can't get any supporters in especially with the amount that Sunderland would have brought."
