Leeds United travel to the Stadium of Light on Sunday, October 25, hoping to build on their 1-1 draw against Manchester United. Daniel Farke’s side sit seventh in the Premier League with 10 points from seven matches, while Sunderland occupy 20th place with four points. The gap in the table gives Leeds an opportunity to strengthen their position, although the hosts need a response after four consecutive league defeats.
The Whites showed resilience against Manchester United, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring the equaliser after Leeds fell behind. However, the striker now faces a fitness test after picking up a bruised foot late in that match, leaving Farke with a significant decision before Sunday’s encounter.
Sunderland arrive after a 1-1 draw away to Lech Poznań in the Europa League. Tymur Tutierov gave the visitors an early lead, but Leo Bengtsson equalised in the second half. The result continued Sunderland’s unbeaten European campaign and offered encouragement ahead of their return to domestic action.
Leeds must account for several injury concerns of their own. Joe Rodon remains unavailable with a hamstring problem, while Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor and Anton Stach all face late assessments. Farke confirmed on Friday that Daniel James had returned to contention after recovering from a back injury.
Leeds United predicted lineup vs Sunderland
Leeds United (3-4-2-1): James Trafford; James Justin, Nico Elvedi, Tarik Muharemović; Jayden Bogle, Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, Gabriel Gudmundsson; Harry Wilson, Brenden Aaronson; Lukas Nmecha.
Trafford should start in goal, with Justin, Elvedi and Muharemović forming the back three. Rodon’s absence makes defensive selection especially important, while Bogle and Gudmundsson can provide width from the wing-back positions.
Ampadu should anchor the midfield alongside Tanaka, giving Leeds a pair capable of recovering possession and moving the ball forward. Their positioning will matter against a Sunderland side that press aggressively and looks for quick attacks after winning the ball.
Wilson and Aaronson could operate behind Nmecha, linking midfield with the striker and creating space around the penalty area. Nmecha may get his opportunity if Calvert-Lewin fails his late assessment, while Wilson’s passing and movement could help Leeds create chances without relying solely on crosses.
Can Leeds exploit Sunderland’s defensive problems?
Leeds United should use their wing-backs to stretch Sunderland’s defensive line, while Wilson and Aaronson search for space between the home side’s midfield and defence. That approach could give Nmecha useful service, particularly if Leeds move the ball forward before Sunderland can recover their shape.
Ampadu must remain alert when the wing-backs advance, because Sunderland can attack the gaps behind them. Tanaka’s movement will matter as well, especially when Leeds lose possession in central areas.
Farke’s selection decisions will depend heavily on Friday’s injury assessments and the response of his doubtful attackers. If Calvert-Lewin, Okafor and Stach miss out, Nmecha could lead the attack with Wilson and Aaronson supplying him, while James offers another option from the bench.
Leeds need a more incisive performance in the final third after drawing four of their last six league matches, and their attacking movement at the Stadium of Light could determine whether they leave with three points.
