Match Overview

Sunderland host Leeds United in the Premier League with both sides seeking a decisive result to set the tone for the festive run-in. Sunderland have been solid rather than spectacular in recent weeks, while Leeds arrive with notable attacking output. Their last meeting in February ended narrowly in Leeds’ favour, adding extra intrigue to this top-flight encounter. With disciplined structures and key forwards in form, this should be a focused, competitive contest at the Stadium of Light.

• Fixture: Sunderland vs Leeds United
• Competition: Premier League
• Venue: Stadium of Light
• Date: 28-12-2025
• Kickoff: 14:00 GMT / 14:00 UTC

Predicted Lineups

Sunderland

• R. Roefs
• T. Hume
• N. Mukiele
• D. Ballard
• O. Alderete
• G. Xhaka
• E. Le Fee
• N. Sadiki
• C. Rigg
• W. Isidor
• B. Brobbey

Leeds United

• Lucas Perri
• J. Bogle
• G. Gudmundsson
• J. Rodon
• E. Ampadu
• A. Stach
• B. Aaronson
• A. Tanaka
• I. Gruev
• D. Calvert-Lewin
• N. Okafor

Injury & Suspension Report

Sunderland

• A. Masuaku – Injury
• N. Sadiki – International duty
• C. Talbi – International duty
• B. Traore – International duty
• A. Masuaku – International duty
• H. Diarra – International duty
• Reinildo – International duty
• L. O’Nien – Red Card
• A. Alese – Shoulder Injury

Leeds United

• L. Nmecha – Thigh Injury
• S. Longstaff – Calf Injury
• D. James – Hamstring Injury

Head-to-Head

Recent meetings have been tight, averaging two goals across the last four fixtures. Historically, Sunderland have 26 wins and 15 draws, while Leeds lead with 32 victories. The trend points to measured games where the first goal often proves decisive.

Match Analysis & Prediction

Sunderland come in with two wins from their last five and five goals in that stretch, reflecting a controlled approach. Against similarly ranked opponents, their games have been cagey, averaging 0.75 goals scored and 1 conceded per match. Expect a structured shape built around disciplined midfield work and quick outlets to the front two, with W. Isidor’s penalty-box movement a focal point at home.

Isidor’s three goals in eight home games underline his threat when Sunderland create sustained pressure. The combination play around G. Xhaka, E. Le Fee and C. Rigg should look to feed Isidor and B. Brobbey early, while the back line of T. Hume, N. Mukiele, D. Ballard and O. Alderete will be tasked with limiting space between the lines. Sunderland’s recent trend suggests they will value territory and control, keeping risk low and protecting central areas.

Leeds arrive with momentum in attack after scoring 13 across their last five matches. Results against comparable opposition have been mixed (one win, one draw, two defeats), but the pattern suggests open games with chances at both ends. D. Calvert-Lewin’s brace against Crystal Palace highlighted the service he can receive from A. Stach, B. Aaronson and A. Tanaka, with I. Gruev knitting phases together behind the front line.

Defensively, Leeds will lean on the aggression of E. Ampadu and J. Rodon to manage duels with Sunderland’s forwards, while full-backs J. Bogle and G. Gudmundsson support transitions. In goal, Lucas Perri has a key role against Sunderland’s direct runs into the box, while R. Roefs must be alert to Leeds’ quick combinations and deliveries for Calvert-Lewin and N. Okafor.

Black Cats embrace Stadium of Light roar to take on Leeds in a high-stakes clash steeped in northern grit and steel-town rivalry.

The head-to-head trend and Sunderland’s conservative metrics versus similarly ranked sides point to a low-scoring rhythm. Leeds’ recent attacking surge could tilt phases of play, but Sunderland’s home structure and emphasis on control should keep the game balanced. Key battles include Isidor against Rodon/Ampadu and Calvert-Lewin against Ballard/Mukiele. Prediction: a tight draw with limited clear chances.

Prediction: Sunderland 1-1 Leeds United.