Sunderland and Leeds United renew their rivalry on Sunday as two promoted sides meet in the Premier League at the Stadium of Light. The hosts arrive full of confidence after a strong return to the top flight, building on momentum from their recent home success, including the narrow win over Newcastle that underlined their growing authority on Wearside, as reported by SoftFootball.
That result reinforced the belief that Sunderland’s home ground is once again becoming a difficult venue for visiting teams. Leeds United travel north knowing they face one of the league’s most resilient home sides.
Sunderland’s belief has been boosted further by the unity in the squad. For Leeds, the challenge is clear. Improve away from home or risk being dragged back into a relegation battle.
Sunderland currently sit sixth in the table with 27 points from 17 matches. Régis Le Bris has earned praise for building a compact and disciplined side that remains unbeaten at home. Even with several players away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Sunderland have shown control and patience, drawing with Brighton and keeping consecutive clean sheets.
Leeds are 16th with 19 points but arrive in improved form. Daniel Farke’s side are unbeaten in four league matches, including impressive wins over Chelsea and Crystal Palace. Dominic Calvert-Lewin leads the line with confidence, scoring regularly, though Leeds still hold one of the weakest away records in the division.
Team News
Sunderland have no fresh injury concerns beyond their AFCON absences. Leeds remain without Daniel James and Lukas Nmecha.
This is the first Premier League meeting between the sides since 2002. Recent encounters at the Stadium of Light have favored Sunderland. Sunderland are unbeaten in eight home league games. Leeds have lost just one of their last four overall.
Sunderland shared a post on their official X account featuring a pre-match quote from manager Régis Le Bris praising Leeds United’s current form, direct play, and set-piece prowess ahead of their clash at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland posted:
RLB on Leeds United: They are in good form. They are direct in key moments with strengths in set pieces. It is not unusual in this league to have another tough test…
Possible Lineups
Sunderland (4-2-3-1): Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Hume; Xhaka, Geertruida; Rigg, Le Fee, Adingra; Brobbey.
Leeds United (3-5-2): Perri; Rodon, Bijol, Struijk; Bogle, Aaronson, Ampadu, Stach, Gudmundsson; Calvert-Lewin, Okafor.
SoftFootball Prediction
Sunderland’s home strength gives them the edge in a tight contest, though Leeds have enough attacking threat to keep it competitive.
Prediction: Sunderland 2-1 Leeds United.
