The Premier League Round 18 fixture between Sunderland and Leeds will take place on December 28 at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland v Leeds: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Sunderland
Regis Le Bris's side kept clean sheets in back-to-back matches for the first time since their promotion to the Premier League. They beat Newcastle 1-0 at home and then drew 0-0 away at Brighton. The club remain in contention for a top-four finish and sit only two points off the top four. Notably, Sunderland's matches this season have been among the lowest-scoring in the division, averaging just 2.1 goals per game.
- The team is unbeaten in 8 of their last 10 Premier League matches (4 wins and 4 draws).
- Sunderland are yet to lose at home this season in the league – 5 wins and 3 draws.
- There were goals at both ends in 5 of the club's last 7 home Premier League matches.
Predicted Sunderland lineup (4-2-3-1)
Sunderland (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. Several players are away on African Cup of Nations duty: midfielders Bertrand Traoré, Noa Sadiki and Habib Diarra, defenders Arthur Masuaku and Reinildo Mandava, and forward Chemsdin Talbi.
Leeds
Daniel Farke's side recorded their biggest win of the season last time out, beating Crystal Palace 4-1 at home. Leeds are now unbeaten in four consecutive Premier League matches (2 wins and 2 draws) — a run they have not managed since August 2022. The club sit 16th but have already opened a six-point cushion above the relegation zone.
- The team failed to win in 9 of their previous 12 league games (3 draws and 6 defeats).
- At least three goals were scored in 8 of Leeds's last 9 Premier League matches.
- Both teams scored in each of Leeds's previous 7 Premier League matches.
Predicted Leeds lineup (3-5-2)
Leeds (3-5-2): Lukas Perry – Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, Pascal Struijk – Brenden Aaronson, Jaden Bogle, Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach, Gabriel Gudmundsson – Noah Okafor, Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Forwards Lucas Nmecha and Daniel James, and midfielder Sean Longstaff are out injured.
Referee
Tony Harrington (England)
Matches – 7 (Premier League, 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 22;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.1;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 0%.
Match prediction: Sunderland vs Leeds
Daniel Farke's side have gained belief and momentum following the 4-1 win over Crystal Palace. Leeds have been scoring more frequently and have netted 11 goals across their last four Premier League matches. They will look to continue that threat against a opponent they were promoted with from the Championship this season. I expect fans to see at least three goals in this encounter.
Beating or even taking points off the hosts at the Stadium of Light is extremely difficult. Regis Le Bris's Sunderland have never left their ground without scoring this season, although they have conceded in 5 of their last 7 home league games. Leeds are in good form on their travels, scoring in three consecutive away league matches while also conceding in many recent road games. Additionally, three or more goals have been scored in 11 of Leeds's last 14 away Premier League fixtures.
My prediction – Over 2.5 goals
* Predicted lineups reflect each team's starting XI from their last match in this competition.
