Sunderland welcome Leeds United to the Stadium of Light on Sunday, October 25, with Régis Le Bris facing an important test after a difficult run of league results. The Black Cats have collected four points from seven matches and sit 20th in the Premier League table, while Leeds occupy seventh place with 10 points.
The visitors arrive after a 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Elland Road on Sunday. Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored the equaliser, although Daniel Farke now faces concerns over the striker’s fitness ahead of the trip to Wearside.
Sunderland also recorded a 1-1 draw in midweek, but their result came away to Lech Poznań in the Europa League. Tymur Tutierov headed the visitors into an early lead before Leo Bengtsson equalised in the second half. The point extended Sunderland’s unbeaten start to the competition, offering some encouragement after four consecutive Premier League defeats.
However, Le Bris must account for several absences. Daniel Ballard remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, Thomas Meunier has a similar problem, and Wilson Isidor remains doubtful. Kevin Danso will miss Sunday’s match through suspension, while Romaine Mundle faces a longer spell out with a knee injury. Sunderland’s official update on Brian Brobbey suggests the striker could return against Leeds after recovering from a hamstring problem.
Sunderland predicted lineup vs Leeds United
Sunderland (4-2-3-1): Robin Roefs; Nordi Mukiele, Luke O’Nien, Omar Alderete, Reinildo; Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki; Trai Hume, Chris Rigg, Enzo Le Fée; Tymur Tutierov.
Roefs should continue in goal, with Mukiele and Reinildo offering experience on the flanks. O’Nien could partner Alderete in central defence, particularly with Ballard unavailable and Danso suspended.
Xhaka and Sadiki would provide the midfield base, combining defensive cover with accurate forward passing. Xhaka’s experience could prove valuable against a Leeds side that presses aggressively, while Sadiki’s energy should help Sunderland recover possession and move the ball into attacking areas.
Rigg can operate behind Tutierov, with Le Fée creating chances from the left and Hume providing another attacking option. Tutierov deserves consideration after scoring in Poland, although Brobbey’s expected return gives Le Bris another option at centre-forward.
Can Sunderland contain Leeds United’s attack?
Sunderland need better defensive discipline after conceding goals in four consecutive league defeats. Mukiele and Reinildo must judge their forward runs carefully, while Xhaka and Sadiki should protect the space in front of the centre-backs.
Leeds may have selection problems of their own. Farke confirmed on Friday that Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor and Anton Stach all face fitness tests, while Joe Rodon remains unavailable with a hamstring injury. Those doubts could force changes to Leeds’ attacking setup.
Sunderland should use Tutierov’s movement and Le Fée’s creativity to attack quickly when opportunities arise. The young Ukrainian has earned attention after his European goal, and another energetic display could help the home side challenge Leeds without exposing their defence to unnecessary risks.
