Leeds United will hope to regain top spot when they take on fourth-placed Sunderland on Monday night.
Leeds United will have the opportunity to strengthen their hold on an automatic promotion spot when they host Sunderland at Elland Road on Monday. The home side currently sits second in the Championship with 69 points, aiming to extend their gap over the chasing pack, while Sunderland, in fourth place with 62 points, still harbours ambitions of breaking into the automatic promotion places.
Daniel Farke’s men have been in ruthless form, claiming a 4-0 victory over Watford last Tuesday. In that encounter, the Peacocks showcased their attacking dominance, creating four big chances and registering 16 attempts inside the penalty area, while allowing their opponents just two shots on target. Prior to that, Leeds had been held to a goalless draw against Millwall but still boasts an impressive tally of 66 goals in the Championship this season—at least 15 more than any other side in the division.
Defensively, Leeds have been just as impressive, securing seven clean sheets in their last eight outings. Their remarkable consistency means they are on pace to finish the season with 99 points, a tally that would rank as the joint seventh-highest in the history of the second tier. Farke’s side has suffered just one defeat in their past 16 matches, winning 11 of them, and they remain unbeaten in 13 Championship home games (W12, D1). Their last three fixtures at Elland Road have seen them claim victories with an aggregate scoreline of 12-0.
Meanwhile, Sunderland head into the contest on the back of a 2-0 triumph over Luton Town on February 12. While the Black Cats defended resolutely, allowing just two shots inside their box, they struggled in the attacking third, creating only one big chance throughout the match. Regis Le Bris’s men have found the back of the net nine times in their last four matches but have also conceded six in the same span.
Sunderland managed to earn a point in the reverse fixture against Leeds back in October, with Junior Firpo’s 97th-minute own goal salvaging a dramatic 2-2 draw. While the Black Cats are almost certain to finish in the playoff spots, currently holding a 15-point advantage over seventh-placed Coventry City, a win on Monday would keep their automatic promotion dreams alive, reducing the gap to Leeds to just four points with 13 matches left to play.
However, Sunderland’s away form has been inconsistent. Despite winning their last two games on the road, they have only secured three victories from their previous 10 away outings, drawing five and losing twice. The visitors will need to be at their absolute best to take anything from this clash against an in-form Leeds side. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
Leeds United
Leeds will have to navigate this crucial clash without defender Maximilian Wöber, who is sidelined until late June due to injury. Additionally, Patrick Bamford remains unavailable with a hamstring problem, depriving Daniel Farke of another attacking option.
With these absentees, Leeds are expected to maintain their usual 4-2-3-1 setup. Illan Meslier will retain his place between the posts, shielded by a back four of Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, and Junior Firpo.
In midfield, Aoi Tanaka and Ilia Gruev should continue their partnership, controlling possession and providing balance. The attacking midfield trio of Daniel James, Brenden Aaronson, and Manor Solomon will look to create chances and exploit Sunderland’s defensive vulnerabilities, supporting central striker Joel Piroe, who will spearhead the attack.
Despite Bamford’s absence, Leeds remain a potent force going forward, and their ability to dominate possession while being defensively resolute should give them a major advantage in this fixture.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Ampadu, Firpo; Tanaka, Gruev; James, Aaronson, Solomon; Piroe
Sunderland
Sunderland will be without defenders Ajibola Alese and Niall Huggins, forcing Regis Le Bris to adjust his backline. Both players remain sidelined, meaning that Trai Hume, Daniel Ballard, Luke O’Nien, and Dennis Cirkin are expected to form the defensive unit.
In midfield, Jayden Danns, on loan from Liverpool, is set to miss out until late March due to injury, while winger Romaine Mundle is also unavailable as he continues to recover from a hamstring problem. Additionally, young talent Tom Watson remains doubtful and may need a few more days before returning to full fitness.
Should Watson fail to recover in time, the trio of Patrick Roberts, Chris Rigg, and Enzo Le Fée will almost certainly feature in attacking roles behind the lone striker Wilson Isidor, who leads the line.
Sunderland will likely maintain their 4-2-3-1 formation, with Anthony Patterson guarding the goal. Trai Hume, Daniel Ballard, Luke O’Nien, and Dennis Cirkin will marshal the defence, looking to provide stability and build from the back. In midfield, skipper Dan Neil and Jude Bellingham will look to dictate play, offering both defensive cover and attacking impetus. Further up the pitch, Patrick Roberts, Chris Rigg, and Enzo Le Fée will aim to create chances and support Wilson Isidor, who will spearhead the attack.
Despite their injury concerns, Sunderland remain a competitive side, and their defensive solidity will be crucial in this high-stakes encounter.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Patterson; Hume, Ballard, O’Nien, Cirkin; Neil, Bellingham; Roberts, Rigg, Le Fee; Isidor
Key Stats
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Leeds United have won only one of their previous seven league games against Sunderland (D3, L3), with three of those draws coming in the last four meetings.
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Sunderland are unbeaten in each of their last five Football League trips to Leeds (W3, D2), having gone 21 consecutive visits without a win before this run, losing their previous seven in a row.
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Leeds have won 12 of their last 13 home league games (D1), keeping 10 clean sheets in that run and scoring 37 goals.
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Sunderland are looking to win three consecutive away league games for the first time since September 2023.
Player to Watch
Daniel James
Daniel James has been in electric form for Leeds United, especially at Elland Road. Since the start of November, the Welsh winger has been directly involved in nine goals across 10 home league appearances, scoring six and assisting three. His recent exploits include contributing to both goals and assists in his last two games at Elland Road, making him a key attacking outlet for Daniel Farke’s side.
James’ blistering pace and ability to stretch defences will be crucial in unlocking Sunderland’s backline. Given the visitors’ inconsistency away from home, James could exploit the gaps in their defensive structure and play a pivotal role in Leeds’ attacking dominance. If Sunderland fails to contain him, the former Manchester United winger could once again be decisive in propelling Leeds closer to automatic promotion.
Prediction
Leeds United 2-0 Sunderland
Leeds United enter the match in formidable form and have been particularly dominant at Elland Road, where they have turned their home ground into a fortress. Their free-flowing attacking football, combined with a resolute defence, makes them the favourites to claim all three points. Sunderland, despite their decent recent form, have struggled for consistency on the road and will face an uphill task against a side that has conceded just 19 goals in 33 games this season.
While the Black Cats could pose a threat with their pace and direct attacking play, Leeds’ superior quality and defensive solidity should prove too much for them to handle. Expect Sunderland to put up a fight, but ultimately, the hosts should come out on top.
