Sunderland vs Leeds Prediction - Premier League

At 9:00 PM on December 28th, Sunderland will host Leeds at the Stadium of Light in a crucial Premier League match. While the home team is striving to catch up with the top teams, Leeds are struggling to find points to escape the relegation zone.

Current league position and form

Sunderland currently sit 7th in the league table with 27 points after 17 matches. The team under the manager's guidance are showing extremely consistent form at Stadium of Light, remaining undefeated at home this season (5 wins, 3 draws). Their form in their last 5 matches is 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss.

Conversely, Leeds are currently 16th with 19 points. Their biggest problem lies in their away form, having suffered 6 defeats on the road since the start of the season. Although their form in the last 5 matches has shown signs of improvement with 2 wins, their defense, which concedes an average of 1.8 goals per game, remains a major concern for the visitors.

Notable statistics

• Sunderland:They scored 19 goals and conceded only 17 in 17 matches. Their defensive performance is quite good, averaging 1.0 goal conceded per game.
• Leeds:Despite having a more explosive attack with 24 goals, their defense has conceded 31 goals, placing them among the most vulnerable teams in the league.

History of confrontations: An absolute balance

The head-to-head history over the last five matches shows a balanced contest between the two teams. Each side has secured one victory, with three matches ending in a draw. In their most recent encounter in February 2025, Leeds won narrowly 2-1 at home. However, when playing at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland always proves to be a very difficult opponent.

• February 18, 2025: Leeds 2 - 1 Sunderland
• October 5, 2024: Sunderland 2 - 2 Leeds
• April 10, 2024: Leeds 0 - 0 Sunderland
• December 13, 2023: Sunderland 1 - 0 Leeds
• April 7, 2018: Leeds 1 - 1 Sunderland

Force and tactical situation

Entering this match, Sunderland is facing a severe personnel crisis. They will be without six players due to international duty, including: H. Diarra, R. Mandava, A. Masuaku, N. Sadiki, C. Talbi, and B. Traore. In addition, L. O'Nien is suspended due to a red card, while A. Alese is absent due to a shoulder injury.

On Leeds' side, the visitors are also missing key players. D. James is unavailable due to a hamstring injury, and S. Longstaff is absent due to a calf injury. Striker L. Nmecha's participation remains uncertain due to a thigh injury.

Predict the result

Despite significant squad losses, Sunderland are still considered the favorites with the home advantage and confidence at Stadium of Light. The likelihood of a draw or a narrow victory for the home team is very high. Predictions suggest a 45% chance of Sunderland winning and a 45% chance of a draw, while Leeds' chances of winning are only 10%.

Forecast:Sunderland win or draw.

Team lineup updated at 20:23 on December 28, 2025

Official lineup

Sunderland

Diagram: 4-2-3-1

CoachRegis Le Bris

Starting lineup:

• 22. Robin Roefs (G)
• 20. Nordi Mukiele (D)
• 3. Dennis Cirkin (D)
• 15. Omar Alderete (D)
• 32. Hume's Tom (D)
• 34. Granit Xhaka (M)
• 6. Lutsharel Geertruida (M)
• 11. Chris Rigg (M)
• 28. Enzo Le Fée (M)
• 24. Simon Adingra (M)
• 9. Brian Brobbey (F)

Substitutes:

• 1. Anthony Patterson
• 33. Leo Fuhr Hjelde
• 51. Jenson Jones
• 4. Dan Neil
• 50. Harrison Jones
• 57. Timur Tutierov
• 12. Eliezer Mayenda
• 18. Wilson Isdor
• 14. Romaine Mundle

Leeds

Diagram: 3-5-2

CoachDaniel Farke

Starting lineup:

• 1. Lucas Perri (G)
• 6. Joe Rodon (D)
• 15. Jaka Bijol (D)
• 5. Pascal Struijk (D)
• 2. Jayden Bogle (M)
• 11. Brendan Aaronson (M)
• 4. Ethan Ampadu (M)
• 18. Anton Stach (M)
• 3. Gabriel Gudmundsson (M)
• 9. Dominic Calvert-Lewin (F)
• 19. Noah Okafor (F)

Substitutes:

• 26. Karl Darlow
• 24. James Justin
• 23. Sebastiaan Bornauw
• 44. Ilia Gruev
• 22. Tanaka Pond
• 20. Jack Harrison
• 29. Wilfried Gnonto
• 10. Joël Piroe
• 14. Lukas Nmecha