Sunderland vs Leeds Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Sunderland have enjoyed a magnificent return to the Premier League as they now take on a Leeds United side that are also beginning to find their feet back in the top-flight.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / USA – USA Network
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Telemundo
Sunderland preview: High-flying Black Cats
Sunderland come into this one on the back of a hard-fought goalless draw with Brighton and Hove Albion at the AMEX Stadium, in what was the first game of their difficult run due to the amount of players away at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
Having gained promotion via the Championship playoffs last season, Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats have been magnificent this season as they begin the festive weekend sitting in the top-half of the table.
Leeds preview: Finding a way
Having won the Championship last season, Daniel Farke immediately found himself under pressure for his job, if reports were to be believed, but the last month has seen the Yorkshire giants begin to find a way of performing and getting results.
Last weekend, they hammered Crystal Palace by four goals to one at Elland Road, extending their unbeaten run of form to four matches since an unfortunate 3-2 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in late-November.
Sunderland team news: Diarra now at AFCON
Having returned to full fitness after his club-record move from Strasbourg, Habib Diarra is now unavailable for the hosts as he has linked up with Senegal at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
He is one of many absentees due to AFCON for the hosts, alongside Arthur Masuaku, Reinildo, Noah Sadiki, Chemsdine Talbi and Bertrand Traore. Luke O'Nien is serving his final game in a three-match suspension.
Predicted XI (3-4-1-2): Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete; Geertruida, Xhaka, Neil, Hume; Le Fee; Isidor, Brobbey
Unavailable: Alese (Injured), O'Nien (Suspended), Masuaku (International duty), Reinildo (International duty), Diarra (International duty), Sadiki (International duty), Talbi (International duty), Traore (International duty)
Questionable:
Leeds team news: No need to change
Summer signing Lukas Nmecha, who has arrived well after joining on a free transfer from Wolfsburg, is working his way back to full fitness and could be involved this weekend.
There doesn't appear any need for the visitors to change things up, though, with no fresh issues to deal with as both Sean Longstaff and Daniel James remain confirmed absentees.
Predicted XI (3-5-2): Perri; Rodon, Bijol, Struijk; Bogle, Stach, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson; Okafor, Calvert-Lewin
Unavailable: Longstaff (Injured), James (Injured)
Questionable: Nmecha (Injured)
Sunderland vs Leeds prediction
Last season, Leeds were a lot better than Sunderland in the second-tier. Things have certainly changed with Sunderland spending over £150 million in the summer. However, even though the versatility and strength of their squad remains good, they have been hurt by AFCON. Given that, as well as the fact Leeds have discovered some form of their own, siding with the visitors may well represent good value for this one at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland vs Leeds tip: Double chance – Leeds to win or draw
