Sunderland vs Leeds United Prediction | Premier League 2025/26 | EPL Prediction | Dec 28 – Will Sunderland’s Dream European Charge Continue?

The Stadium of Light is set to roar as two historic clubs with vastly different ambitions for the season collide. The hosts are flying high in eighth, dreaming of European football and looking to close the gap on their bitter rivals Newcastle United, while the visitors are scraping for survival in 17th place. The Black Cats enter this fixture maintaining a solid consistency that has silenced many doubters, whereas the Whites arrive with renewed hope, currently enjoying a three-match unbeaten run that has yielded five crucial points.

Sunderland vs Leeds United Match Details at a Glance

Injury News and Suspensions

Sunderland

Régis Le Bris faces a few selection headaches, specifically in defense. The versatile Luke O’Nien is suspended, depriving the team of his leadership and aggression. Defender Ajibola Alese is nursing a shoulder injury and is targeting a late December return, though this game might come too soon.

Leeds United

Daniel Farke is navigating a “debilitating injury crisis” that threatens to derail his side’s recent momentum. The Whites are without the pace of Daniel James (hamstring) and the physicality of Lukas Nmecha (hamstring) until January 2026. The midfield engine room is also depleted, with Sean Longstaff sidelined due to a calf injury until the new year.

Sunderland vs Leeds United Head-to-Head Records

Form Guide

Sunderland

The Black Cats are arguably the surprise package of the season. Sitting eighth as of December 20, 2025, Le Bris has implemented a clear identity based on youth development and technical proficiency. They want the ball, and they want to attack. With Brobbey providing a focal point and Le Fee pulling the strings, they have been easy on the eye. However, their youth can be a double-edged sword; they sometimes lack the game management skills of more experienced sides.

Leeds United

The Yorkshire outfit finds itself in a relegation scrap, but the mood has lifted significantly in recent weeks. Sitting 17th, the panic button has been unpressed thanks to a three-game unbeaten streak. Farke has shown tactical flexibility, shifting to a 3-5-2 that offers more protection to a vulnerable defense. While they still have significant defensive issues, clean sheets are a rarity, the partnership of Okafor and Calvert-Lewin (often dropping deep or arriving late) has started to click.

Key Battles

Brian Brobbey vs Joe Rodon

Based on the players available, a likely key duel is the heavyweight clash in the Leeds penalty area. Brian Brobbey is a physical anomaly; his strength and ability to roll defenders make him the perfect pivot for Sunderland’s attack. He will look to pin Joe Rodon, Leeds’ defensive anchor. Rodon enjoys a physical battle, but he cannot afford to get too tight to Brobbey, or he risks being spun. If Brobbey dominates this duel, Sunderland will have a platform to bring their midfielders into play.

Enzo Le Fee vs Ethan Ampadu

In the midfield engine room, the technical battle will be fascinating. Enzo Le Fee is the heartbeat of this Sunderland side, dictating tempo and finding pockets of space. He will be shadowed by Ethan Ampadu, who anchors the Leeds midfield. Ampadu’s role will be to disrupt, tackle, and transition the ball quickly to the wing-backs. If Le Fee is given time to turn, he will pick apart Leeds’ 3-5-2 shape. Ampadu needs to be disciplined, ensuring he doesn’t get dragged out of position by Le Fee’s movement, which would leave the Leeds back three exposed.

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Tactical Outlook

Régis Le Bris will instruct his side to control possession and widen the pitch. With Mukiele and Reinildo likely pushing high from full-back positions (or wing-back if they match up), Sunderland will try to overload Leeds in wide areas. The presence of Granit Xhaka in midfield adds a layer of experience and steel, allowing Le Fee to drift forward. The hosts will press high, trying to force errors from a Leeds backline that isn’t known for its composure on the ball.

Daniel Farke, aware of his squad’s limitations and injuries, will likely stick to the 3-5-2 system that has stopped the rot. The plan will be to absorb pressure and hit Sunderland on the break using the pace of Okafor. Struijk, Bijol, and Rodon will form a compact defensive trident, tasked with crowding out Brobbey. The wing-backs, likely Bogle and Gudmundsson, will have to run themselves into the ground, acting as defenders without the ball and wingers with it.

Possible Playing Squad

Sunderland XI: Roefs (GK), Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo, Xhaka, Sadiki, Le Fee, Traoré, Talbi, Brobbey

Leeds United XI:

Perri (GK), Rodon, Bijol, Struijk, Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Stach, Gudmundsson, Calvert-Lewin, Okafor

Sunderland vs Leeds United Match Prediction

This has the makings of a tight, tactical affair. Sunderland have the quality and the home advantage, but Leeds have found a survival formula that makes them hard to beat. The Black Cats’ weakness in breaking down organized defenses plays right into Farke’s hands. While the Stadium of Light expects a win, the visitors’ desperation for points and recent resilience suggests they won’t roll over. However, the individual quality of players like Brobbey and Le Fee might just be enough to unlock the door once Leeds tire in the second half.

Score Prediction

Sunderland 2–1 Leeds United; The Black Cats should have just enough firepower to break down a stubborn Leeds side, though the visitors will likely make it a nervous finish.

Disclaimer: This Football prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.