The Round 18 match of the Premier League between Sunderland and Leeds United will take place on 28 December at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland vs Leeds United: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
Sunderland
Sunderland, coached by Regis Le Bris, managed to keep their goal intact in back-to-back matches for the first time since promotion to the Premier League. The home side beat Newcastle 1:0 at home and then drew 0:0 away with Brighton. The club remains among the contenders for a top-four place and is only two points off the top four. Interestingly, Sunderland's matches in the current Premier League season are the lowest scoring on average – 2.1 goals per game.
- The team has not lost in 8 of the last 10 Premier League matches (4 wins and 4 draws).
- Sunderland have yet to be beaten at home in the current championship – 5 wins and 3 draws.
- Both teams to score occurred in 5 of the last 7 home matches in the Premier League for the club.
Potential Sunderland Lineup (4-2-3-1)*
Robin Rufs – Omar Alderete, Nordi Mukiele, Daniel Ballard, Trai Hume – Christopher Rigg, Granit Xhaka – Enzo Le Fee, Lutsharel Geertruida, Simon Adingra – Brian Brobbey.
Midfielder Luke O'Nien remains suspended. Midfielders Bertrand Traoré, Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra, defenders Arthur Masuaku and Reinildo Mandava, and forward Chemsdine Talbi have gone to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Leeds United
Leeds United, coached by Daniel Farke, recorded their first big win of the current campaign in the last round. The visitors beat Cup holders Crystal Palace 4:1 at home, surprisingly easily. It is also worth noting that Leeds United have gone four Premier League matches unbeaten (2 wins and 2 draws). The club has not had such an unbeaten run since August 2022. Currently the team sits 16th but has already opened a six-point gap from the relegation zone.
- The team failed to win in 9 of the last 12 league games (3 draws and 6 defeats).
- At least three goals were scored in 8 of the last 9 Leeds United matches in the Premier League.
- Both teams to score occurred in the previous 7 Premier League matches for the club.
Potential Leeds United Lineup (3-5-2)*
Lukas Perry – Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, Pascal Struijk – Brenden Aaronson, Jayden Bogle, Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach, Gabriel Gudmundsson – Noah Okafor, Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Forwards Lukas Nmecha and Daniel James, as well as midfielder Sean Longstaff, are injured.
Referee
Tony Harrington (England)
Matches – 7 (the Premier League, 2025/26);
Yellow/Red Cards Shown (Including Second Yellows) – 22;
Average Yellow/Red Cards Per Match – 3.1;
Red Cards Shown – 1;
Fouls Per Match – 21;
Penalties Awarded – 0%.
Sunderland vs Leeds United: Match Prediction
Leeds United have regained belief after the win over Chelsea 3:1. The visitors not only climbed the table but also began to score much more often. In the last four Premier League matches Leeds United have scored 11 goals. Now they will try to find the net against an opponent they were promoted with from the Championship this season. We believe the teams will provide at least three goals in this confrontation.
It is incredibly difficult to beat or take points from the hosts at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland have never left their stadium without scoring a goal this season, but they have conceded in 5 of the last 7 home Premier League matches. Leeds United have built good momentum and have scored in three consecutive away Premier League matches, while they have conceded in their last 19 away league matches. It is also worth noting that three or more goals were scored in 11 of Leeds United's previous 14 away Premier League matches.
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals
* For each team the starting lineup shown is from their previous match in this tournament.
