Seeking to capitalize on their recent upward trajectory under Daniel Farke, Leeds United heads to the Stadium of Light this Sunday to take on Sunderland.
The West Yorkshire club, currently 16th in the Premier League standings with 19 points, appears to be finally turning their season around based on their latest performances. Leeds recorded an emphatic 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace in their last outing, marking the third game out of four in which they have netted at least three goals.
This resurgence has significantly alleviated the pressure on manager Farke, who had faced intense scrutiny earlier in the month. However, Leeds’ persistent difficulties when playing away from Elland Road remain a significant concern ahead of a challenging fixture against one of the division’s most defensively robust home teams.
Sunderland’s successful return to the top flight has been fundamentally built upon strong defensive organization, particularly when playing in front of their home crowd at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats are currently unbeaten at home this season and boast a league tally of just 17 goals conceded—a total bettered only by Arsenal and Manchester City.
If Leeds hopes to leave Wearside with a positive result, they will need to demonstrate patience in possession and clinical finishing in front of goal. While their road form has been inconsistent, the Whites` attacking confidence has demonstrably improved in recent weeks, with Farke’s squad operating with greater freedom in the final third.
Leeds United has amassed eight points from their last four Premier League fixtures, representing their strongest run of the current campaign. They have scored 10 goals during these matches, matching the total output from their preceding eight games combined.
Nevertheless, the club’s away form remains a critical issue, having lost six of their last seven league games on the road. Encouragingly for the visiting side, Leeds is currently unbeaten in their last three encounters with Sunderland across all competitions, including a 2-1 Championship win back in February 2025.
This rivalry boasts a long history, with Sunday`s contest set to be the 92nd official meeting between the two sides. Leeds holds the overall advantage with 40 victories compared to Sunderland’s 33, while 18 matches have resulted in draws. Although a home victory would narrow that historical gap, recent history favors the visitors, who have lost only one of the last six matchups.
The most recent Premier League clash occurred in December 2002, when Leeds secured a 2-1 victory at the Stadium of Light. Winning against the Black Cats in the top flight has often come naturally for the Whites, who have triumphed in eight of their 10 total Premier League meetings.
Leeds star Daniel James is still sidelined with a thigh injury and is not expected to return until late January, depriving Farke of crucial pace and directness on the wing. Lukas Nmecha is unavailable, though there is a ‘small chance’ the 27-year-old could participate; however, Farke is unlikely to risk him. Midfielder Sean Longstaff also continues to miss out.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor performed exceptionally well together against Crystal Palace and are expected to maintain their partnership up front. Calvert-Lewin is currently in scintillating form, leading the attack with authority and scoring six times in his last five league appearances.
In the midfield, Ethan Ampadu is anticipated to anchor a three-man unit alongside Anton Stach and Brenden Aaronson, creating a strong mix of control, energy, and pressing ability. Defensively, Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, and Pascal Struijk are highly likely to continue as the back three, with Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson providing attacking width as wing-backs.
Lucas Perri; Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, Pascal Struijk; Jayden Bogle, Brenden Aaronson, Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach, Gabriel Gudmundsson; Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor.
Mark Thompson
