Sunderland welcome Leeds United to the Stadium of Light on Sunday with kick-off scheduled for 4:30pm. Regis Le Bris's side are searching for a response after four consecutive Premier League defeats, although Thursday's 1-1 draw against Lech Poznan offered signs of attacking improvement ahead of another demanding domestic fixture.
The Black Cats had looked set to maintain their perfect Europa League record when Timur Tutierov headed them into a second-minute lead in Poland. Nilson Angulo created the opportunity after capitalising on a misplaced pass, setting the tone for an impressive first-half display.
Sunderland registered eight shots on target before the interval, with Malick Fofana also striking the woodwork. However, their failure to extend the advantage proved costly when Leo Bengtsson equalised with 20 minutes remaining.
The performance was considerably more encouraging than Sunderland's recent Premier League displays, particularly their 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth last weekend. Le Bris's side generated just 0.08 xG from three shots in that match, with Kevin Danso's early dismissal making an already difficult assignment even harder.
Sunderland have now lost four consecutive league matches, leaving them bottom of the table. Their problems have been particularly evident in front of goal, where promising attacking positions have too rarely resulted in goals.
At the Stadium of Light, Sunderland have scored just once across three Premier League matches. They began with a 1-0 victory over Fulham before suffering successive 2-0 defeats against Arsenal and Brighton.
Their 4.18 xG across those fixtures suggests they have created considerably more than their scoring record indicates. Nevertheless, the lack of clinical finishing has become a recurring problem, and Sunday's opponents have generally proved difficult to beat.
Leeds arrive following a 1-1 draw against Manchester United. Daniel Farke's side have demonstrated resilience this season, although their away performances have produced mixed results.
A 1-0 victory at Nottingham Forest was followed by a 1-1 draw at Brighton and a 2-1 defeat against Arsenal. Leeds have scored exactly once in each away league match, reflecting their ability to remain competitive without consistently overwhelming opponents.
The visitors have generated 3.51 xG across those fixtures, averaging 1.17 per game. That attacking output suggests Sunderland should have opportunities to contain Leeds, provided they avoid the defensive mistakes that have undermined recent performances.
How the bookies view it
Leeds United are favourites at 6/4, implying a 40% probability of victory. Sunderland are available at 19/10, representing 34.5%, while the draw is priced at 23/10, equivalent to 30.3%.
Under 2.5 goals is 3/4, implying a 57.1% probability, with over 2.5 goals available at 11/10, representing 47.6%. Both teams to score is priced at 10/11, equivalent to 52.4%, while both teams to score No is available at evens, implying 50%.
Head to head: Sunderland unbeaten at home in last three
Sunderland have lost just once in their last six meetings with Leeds United, recording two victories and three draws. The Black Cats won the most recent encounter 1-0 at Elland Road in March 2026, having drawn 1-1 at the Stadium of Light three months earlier.
Leeds' only victory during that six-match sequence came in February 2025, when they secured a 2-1 Championship win at Elland Road. The other results included a 2-2 draw in October 2024, a goalless draw in April 2024 and a 1-0 Sunderland victory in December 2023.
Five of those six meetings produced under 2.5 goals, while both teams scored in three. Sunderland are unbeaten in their last three home meetings with Leeds, winning once and drawing twice.
Player to watch: Dominic Calvert-Lewin to continue his form
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been Leeds' leading attacking threat, scoring four Premier League goals from 14 shots. His 3.72 xG demonstrates how regularly he has found opportunities in dangerous positions, while eight shots on target underline his ability to test opposing goalkeepers.
Calvert-Lewin's movement and physical presence could be particularly important against a Sunderland defence missing the suspended Kevin Danso. Leeds will look to provide service into dangerous areas, making their striker a significant threat whenever opportunities arise.
Predicted lineups
Sunderland (4-2-3-1): Roefs; Mukiele, O'Nien, Alderete, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Le Fee, Rigg, Fofana; Tutierov.
Leeds United (3-4-2-1): Trafford; Justin, Elvedi, Muharemovic; Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson; Stach, Okafor; Calvert-Lewin.
Anything else catch the eye?
Thursday's draw in Poland introduced an interesting complication to Sunday's goals assessment. Sunderland looked considerably more threatening against Lech Poznan than they have in recent Premier League matches, but their failure to convert sustained pressure into additional goals ultimately cost them victory.
That finishing problem has also been evident domestically. Sunderland have registered 36 shots across three home Premier League fixtures, with only ten hitting the target. Despite generating opportunities, they have managed just one goal at the Stadium of Light.
Leeds' away attacking numbers offer further encouragement for a relatively low-scoring encounter. The visitors have created seven big chances across three away fixtures, but five came in their draw against Brighton. Their other two away matches produced just two between them.
Sunderland's defensive record at home has been relatively competitive. They have conceded 3.60 xGA across three matches, averaging 1.20 per game, suggesting opponents have not consistently created high-quality opportunities.
The absence of Danso is a concern, while the fitness of Sunderland's attacking options could significantly influence their approach. Brobbey and Wilson Isidor were both unavailable against Lech Poznan, leaving Tutierov to lead the attack.
There is also the physical impact of Thursday's European fixture to consider. Sunderland's energy faded during the second half in Poland, and the short turnaround may encourage Le Bris to prioritise defensive organisation rather than an expansive approach.
Leeds have conceded 5.26 xGA on their travels, so Sunderland should still have opportunities to threaten. However, their inability to turn chances into goals remains a significant obstacle.
All three Sunderland home league matches have finished under 2.5 goals, while two of Leeds' three away fixtures have also remained below that line.
The principal concern is Sunderland's improved attacking display in Europe, which suggests their scoring difficulties may not continue indefinitely. Nevertheless, the combination of poor domestic finishing, limited away scoring from Leeds and Sunderland's demanding schedule supports another relatively tight contest.
Sunderland vs Leeds Utd Betting Tips & Predictions
Further Reading
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