Leeds United predicted line-up vs Sunderland (3-5-2) | OneFootball

Leeds United travel to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland on Sunday, looking to build on a growing momentum under Daniel Farke.

The West Yorkshire side arrive in the North East sitting 16th in the Premier League table with 19 points, but recent results suggest they are finally turning a corner.

Leeds recorded a thumping 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace last time out to make it three games in four in which they have scored at least three goals.

That run has eased the pressure on Farke, who had been under scrutiny earlier in the month.

However, Leeds’ struggles away from Elland Road remain a concern ahead of a tricky test against one of the division’s most resilient home sides.

Match preview

Sunderland’s remarkable return to the top-flight has been built on defensive organisation, particularly at the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats are unbeaten at home this season and have conceded just 17 goals in the league, a total bettered only by Arsenal and Manchester City.

Leeds will need to be patient and clinical if they are to leave Wearside with a result.

While their away form has been patchy, the Whites’ attacking confidence has improved in recent weeks, with Farke’s side playing with greater freedom in the final third.

Match stats

Leeds have collected eight points from their last four Premier League games, their strongest run of the campaign so far.

They have scored 10 goals across those fixtures, matching their output from the previous eight matches combined.

However, away form remains a major concern, with the Whites losing six of their last seven league games on the road.

Encouragingly, Leeds are unbeaten in their last three meetings with Sunderland in all competitions, including a 2-1 Championship victory in February 2025.

This fixture has a long history, with Sunday’s clash set to be the 92nd meeting between the two sides.

Leeds hold the overall advantage with 40 wins, compared to Sunderland’s 33, while 18 contests have ended in draws.

A home victory would narrow that gap, but recent history favours the visitors, who have lost just one of the last six encounters.

The most recent Premier League meeting dates back to December 2002, when Leeds claimed a 2-1 win at the Stadium of Light.

Winning against Sunderland has often come naturally for the Whites in the top flight, having triumphed in eight of their 10 Premier League meetings with the Black Cats.

Team news

Leeds star Daniel James remains sidelined with a thigh injury and is not expected back until the end of January, depriving Farke of pace and directness out wide.

Lukas Nmecha is unavailable, but there is a ‘small chance’ the 27-year-old could play. Farke will likely not risk it. Meanwhile, midfielder Sean Longstaff continues to miss out.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor were outstanding together against Crystal Palace and are expected to retain their places up front.

Calvert-Lewin, in particular, is in red-hot form, scoring six times in his last five league appearances and leading the line with authority.

In midfield, Ethan Ampadu should anchor a three-man unit alongside Anton Stach and Brenden Aaronson, offering a blend of control, energy and pressing.

At the back, Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk are likely to continue as a back three, with Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson providing width as wing-backs.

Leeds United predicted line-up (3-5-2)

Lucas Perri; Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, Pascal Struijk; Jayden Bogle, Brenden Aaronson, Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach, Gabriel Gudmundsson; Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor.