Monday Night Football comes from the EFL Championship as two promotion hopefuls go head-to-head. Check out our Leeds vs Sunderland preview, prediction, team news and predicted lineups.
Leeds Vs Sunderland Preview
Whites Winning Run To Continue?
Leeds will be aiming to go back to the top of the table this evening. The Whites are currently in 2nd spot, just a single point behind Sheffield United.
Last time out, Daniel Farke’s side thrashed Watford 4-0 at Vicarage Road. Dan James scored twice before Manor Solomon and Joel Piroe netted in Hertfordshire.
Farke’s side hasn’t conceded since the 3-3 draw with Hull on January 4. Since then, Leeds have won five and drawn just once. The only blemish came in the 0-0 draw with Burnley.
In terms of goals, nobody has come close to the Yorkshireman’s tally of 66. Currently, their goal difference stands at a healthy +47. Miles better than anyone else in the division.
In the reverse fixture, the Whites were held to a 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light. A howler from goalkeeper Illan Meslier deep into stoppage time ensured a share of the spoils.
🤩 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹!
🆚 Sunderland
🏟️ Elland Road
🕗 8pm (UK Time) pic.twitter.com/MOdJgl2pOu— Leeds United (@LUFC) February 17, 2025
Black Cats Primed To Cause An Upset?
With 14 games to go in 2024/25, Sunderland are looking primed for an EFL Championship play-off spot. The Mackems currently occupy 4th spot, boasting an 11-point lead over Blackburn who are a place below them.
Regis Le Bris’s side – like tonight’s opponents – are desperate to be playing Premier League football again next season. It’s been eight years since top-flight football was present at the SoL.
A win at Elland Road will go a long way in making those dreams a reality. With that in mind, a push for automatic promotion will become a likely possibility.
Last Wednesday, Enzo Le Fee and Wilson Isidor netted in a 2-0 victory against Luton. In the corresponding fixture last season, the Black Cats left Yorkshire with a fine point after a goalless draw.
Ahead of tonight’s clash, the best football betting sites in the UK price Leeds as the 4/7 favourites. Sunderland can be backed at 6/1 with the draw 33/10.
Leeds Vs Sunderland Team News
After the 4-0 romp over Watford, Daniel Farke isn’t expected to make any changes to his Leeds XI. Joel Piroe will once again lead the line with Dan James, Brenden Aaronson and Manor Solomon playing just behind.
At the other end, Illan Meslier will be in between the sticks. He’ll certainly be hoping to banish the memories of the reverse fixture.
Playing in front of the French shot-stopper will likely be Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Junior Firpo. The latter scored an own goal in October’s fixture.
Meanwhile, Sunderland will still be without injured duo Ajibola Alese and Niall Huggins in defence. Therefore, Regis Le Bris is also set to start with the same XI that beat Luton.
England U21 star Jobe Bellingham will occupy his usual midfield role. He’ll be supported by Dan Neil with Patrick Roberts, Enzo Le Fee and Chris Rigg in attacking roles.
The latter has been identified as a prime summer target for Manchester United. Another sparkling display here will see his stock rise even further.
Leeds Vs Sunderland Predicted Lineups
Leeds (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Ampadu, Firpo; Tanaka, Gruev; James, Aaronson, Solomon; Piroe
Sunderland (4-2-3-1): Patterson; Hume, Ballard, O’Nien, Cirkin; Neil, Bellingham; Roberts, Rigg, Le Fee; Isidor
Leeds Vs Sunderland Prediction
Leeds are lethal in front of goal and have a very good record of keeping their opponents at bay. With that in mind, it’s hard to look past the Whites at Elland Road.
Naturally, Sunderland will be expected to cause plenty of problems for the home side but we predict they will fall just short in a tight game.
Prediction: Leeds 2-1 Sunderland
