Leeds vs Sunderland Prediction 3 March 2026
🔊 On March 3rd, Elland Road will host a clash between two Premier League newcomers, each experiencing their own form of turbulence. Leeds, after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Manchester City, have not only lost points but also their head coach-Daniel Farke was shown a straight red card for protesting against the referees and will watch the game from the stands. Sunderland, on the other hand, come into this match with an injury list that resembles a field hospital: six players are confirmed out. The Black Cats have been unable to secure an away win in their last nine Premier League outings. Meanwhile, the Peacocks have only been defeated at home by title contenders.
Head-to-Head
📊 In the first round at the Stadium of Light, the teams settled for a draw (1-1) despite Leeds' clear dominance, as they registered 17 shots on goal compared to the hosts' 8. Notably, in 4 of their last 6 encounters, neither side managed to secure a victory, ending in draws. Furthermore, the Peacocks have gone unbeaten against Sunderland in their last four matches, dating back to December 2023.
Head-to-head statistics Leeds - Sunderland

Leeds United Team Overview
Daniel Farke's team currently sit in 15th place, maintaining a comfortable six-point cushion above the relegation zone. This is largely due to a strong run since early December, with only three losses in 16 matches across all competitions. In their last outing, the Peacocks put up a strong fight against Manchester City (0-1), narrowly losing due to a goal from Antoine Semenyo.
This match was a stark contrast to their clash with Arsenal (0-4), where Leeds were thoroughly outplayed without a chance. The Whites took to the field with a solid game plan and surely deserved a goal (xG 1.96). From the opening whistle, Farke's side set a relentless pressing tempo, leading to an 8-0 shot advantage by the 40th minute. However, their finishing let them down, preventing them from securing crucial points.
Match Results: Leeds United

Sunderland Team Overview
Regis Le Bris' side hold a six-point lead over Leeds, sitting in 12th place. However, their away form has been disastrous: nine matches without a win on the road (5 losses, 4 draws) since October for the "Black Cats." Even at home, they've lost their invincibility, suffering two consecutive defeats.
In their last outing, the team drew with Bournemouth (1-1), halting a three-game losing streak but extending their winless run to four matches. The territorial advantage was with their opponents, and the "Cherries" created significantly more chances. Sunderland conceded one goal with an xGA of 2.03, indicating that luck played a part in their result.
Match Results: Sunderland
Latest news
Leeds United
🎙 Eddie Rimmer (assistant head coach) on Farke's sending-off: "Daniel's frustration stemmed from the opponent's time-wasting tactics. We felt like we were losing precious minutes, and it boiled over. Unfortunately, his reaction led to a red card. But the team knows what needs to be done, and we're prepared."
❌ Central defender Joe Rodon is doubtful after being substituted late in the match against City due to a suspected hamstring injury. Noah Okafor (hamstring) is the only confirmed absentee, sidelined for several weeks.
Sunderland
🎙 Régis Le Bris on the team's condition: "We're facing serious personnel issues, particularly on the wings and in defense. But that's no excuse. We must find a way to fight for results. Leeds are a strong opponent, especially at home, but we're coming to battle."
❌ The "Cats" infirmary is filled to the brim. Out of action: Dennis Cirkin (hip), Reinildo Mandava (knee), Brian Brobbey (groin), Joslin Ta Bi (ankle), Romain Mandl (hip), and Nordi Mukiele (calf).
🟨 Referee and Yellow Cards
The main referee is Stuart Attwell. The Brit is known for his strict officiating style: he averages 4.7 yellow cards per match this Premier League season, the highest among all league referees.
The context for the upcoming game is as follows: Leeds commit a lot of fouls at home (averaging 10.2 per match), while Sunderland often disrupt attacks away from home as they concede territory. Considering the "Peacocks" will likely dominate possession and the visitors will focus on defense, betting on over 3.5 yellow cards seems reasonable. Leeds' matches average 3.5 yellow cards, while Sunderland's average 3.9 per game.
⚽ Goal Predictions
Leeds have conceded in 11 of their last 12 home Premier League matches. Sunderland don't score much away but do so consistently, finding the net in 4 of their last 5 away games. Both teams have scored in their last three head-to-head meetings. Given that the hosts will press from the start and the visitors have the potential to counter, an both teams to score (yes) bet appears logical.
🚩 Corner Predictions
Leeds average 5.3 corners per home match, while Sunderland average 3.4 away. The total corners in "Peacocks" matches average 9.9, and "Black Cats" games average 9.1. We have no doubt that the hosts will control possession and bombard the penalty area, looking for Calvert-Lewin. Therefore, backing Leeds to win on corners is optimal. In the first-round match, Daniel Farke's side dominated this statistic, winning 9-3.
Editor's Prediction
Leeds are in excellent form and have virtually no injury concerns, so they should manage even without their head coach on the sidelines. Sunderland, on the other hand, arrive with a lengthy injury list and dreadful away record, having picked up just 11 points in 14 games on the road. Head-to-head stats suggest it won't be a walk in the park for the hosts, but we still believe the “Peacocks” will overpower their opponents and secure three points. They haven't gone two consecutive home games without a win since October. We predict a final score of 3-1 and back a Leeds victory.
