Leeds eager to claim five-game unbeaten run in trip to Sunderland.
Sunderland vs. Leeds United begins at 14:00 [GMT] on Sunday, December 28, at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland and Leeds United renew their rivalry in the Premier League for the first time since Boxing Day 2002, when Leeds claimed a 2–1 victory at the Stadium of Light. History is firmly on the visitors’ side: Sunderland have lost eight of their ten Premier League meetings with Leeds, and the Whites have been beaten just once in their last six league encounters with the Black Cats. Sunderland arrive looking to avoid an unwanted pattern. Their 1–0 defeat at Stoke in their final league match of 2024 means they risk losing their last league game in consecutive calendar years for the first time since 2015–16. Performances this season have been a concern, particularly in attack. The Black Cats have produced the lowest expected goals from open play (7.6) in the Premier League and remain the only side yet to record a single match with 1.0+ open-play xG, highlighting their struggle to create chances outside of set-piece situations. Defensively, however, Sunderland have stayed competitive thanks largely to Robin Roefs, whose 77.3% save rate is among the best in the club’s Premier League history. Only Vito Mannone in 2013–14 has recorded a higher save percentage for Sunderland in a single top-flight season, underlining how crucial Roefs has been in keeping games tight. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Brian Brobbey in attack is expected against the Whites. Luke O'Nien is suspended for this clash.
Leeds [LWDDW] come into the fixture in steadier form. They are unbeaten in their last four Premier League matches (W2 D2), all against teams starting the day above them in the table. That said, their away record against stronger opposition remains a concern, having failed to win any of their last nine away league games against teams above them, losing eight of those. Goals may once again be at a premium. Leeds’ final league game in each of the last three calendar years has produced just two goals combined, a stark contrast to the goal-heavy endings they enjoyed previously. Still, their threat from dead-ball situations has been a major weapon this season. Twelve of their goals have come from set pieces (excluding penalties)—already matching their entire output from the 2022–23 Premier League campaign. A key individual storyline surrounds Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is chasing a personal milestone. He is looking to score in six consecutive Premier League appearances for the first time in his career, a feat no Leeds player has managed in the top flight since John McCole in 1959–60. The Englishman is expected to team up with Noah Okafor at the attacking end of Leeds’ 3—5—2 formation.