Sunderland vs Leeds Prediction 28 December 2025
📡 Will Sunderland's unbeaten streak at the Stadium of Light continue? Heading into the 18th round of the Premier League, it stands at seven matches. On Saturday, Leeds will attempt to end it, having found some decent form recently by picking up points in four consecutive games. Will these former Championship sides deliver a true showdown in the Premier League? We'll assess the odds of this happening, along with other key aspects of the match, in our editorial prediction.
Head-to-Head
📊 These teams have only faced each other in the Championship. The most recent encounters took place over the past two seasons, as well as during the 2017/18 campaign. Leeds hold a slight edge with two wins to one, while the sides have drawn three times. In five out of their last six meetings, the total goals did not exceed 3.5, though both teams found the net in half of those matches.
Head-to-head statistics Sunderland - Leeds
Sunderland Team Overview
Last season, Sunderland secured a fourth-place finish in the Championship and earned promotion to the English top flight through the playoffs. This season, after 10 rounds in the Premier League, they are hovering near the European competition spots. Currently, the Black Cats sit in sixth place, just five points behind fifth-placed Liverpool.
Sunderland often drop points due to draws but rarely lose, maintaining a level consistent with teams in the 2-4 positions of the Premier League (four defeats). In their last match, Regis Le Bris's squad traveled to face Brighton. The game was a spectacle, with both teams combining for 30 shots. The visitors posed a slightly greater threat (1.75 xG compared to 1.24 xG), but no goals were recorded at the Amex (0-0).
Match Results: Sunderland
Leeds United Team Overview
Leeds claimed the Championship title last season, but in the current Premier League campaign, they find themselves significantly below Sunderland, sitting in 16th place. However, it's not all doom and gloom, as just six rounds ago, the "Peacocks" were in the relegation zone. Now, they remain unbeaten in their last four matches, pulling away from the Premier League basement by a solid six points.
In the 17th round, Leeds hosted Crystal Palace at Elland Road and thrashed the "Eagles," who were in a European spot just two matches ago. The teams almost evenly split possession (53% to 47% in favor of the hosts), but the "Peacocks" were far more prolific (20 shots to 9) and efficient (3.19 xG compared to 1.53 xG) in attack. This led to a resounding 4-1 victory for the "Whites."
Match Results: Leeds United
Latest news
Sunderland
🎙 One of Sunderland's current leaders, defender Daniel Ballard, opened up about his journey in the club and his affection for it: “I have always been grateful for the opportunity to play at any level. I've played in League One and the Championship, and I was very proud of that, enjoying every minute. But I always believed I could play in the Premier League. The question was just how to get there, so making it to the playoffs with Sunderland was a dream come true for me. I love this city and club, so I hope I can continue to create special moments and leave a legacy behind.”
❌ Sunderland will have to cope without Habib Diarra, Reinildo Mandava, Arthur Masuaku, Noah Sadiki, Chemsdine Talbi, and Bertrand Traore for about a month as they head off to the Africa Cup of Nations. To add to their woes, Luke O'Nien received a red card.
Leeds United
🎙 Ahead of their head-to-head clash with Sunderland, Leeds' head coach reflected on last year's Championship match against the Black Cats (2-2). "The ending of that game was a bit unfortunate. We played a really strong away game, but we were unlucky not to come away with the win. Sure, an away draw is always valuable, especially in certain situations. For instance, like in our second-to-last home game against Liverpool, a draw can sometimes be priceless. However, this time we're stepping onto the pitch to deliver our best performance and collect as many points as possible," said Daniel Farke.
❌ Unlike Sunderland, Leeds' squad hasn't been affected by the Africa Cup of Nations. However, their injury list isn't empty. Currently, Sean Longstaff, Lukas Nmecha, and Daniel James are sidelined.
🟨 Referee and Yellow Cards
The match will be officiated by Tony Harrington, who has an average of 3.9 yellow cards per game over his last 20 Premier League matches. Sunderland are among the most aggressive teams in the current league, averaging 2.09 yellow cards over 17 rounds. In six of their last seven encounters at the Stadium of Light, Regis Le Bris's side have received more than 1.5 warnings.
The "Black Cats" are facing significant squad challenges due to the Africa Cup of Nations, forcing the head coach to rotate players. Less experienced Premier League players may negatively impact the team's discipline. Our prediction: Sunderland to receive more than 1.5 yellow cards.
⚽️ Goal Prediction
Apart from discipline issues, Sunderland's scoring ability might also suffer due to the absence of their African players. In fact, this is already evident as they've only scored twice in their last four games. Four of their six national team players are key figures in central and attacking roles. We anticipate that Sunderland's total goals will be under 1.5.
🚩 Corner Prediction
Sunderland primarily operate in a 4-2-3-1 formation focused on counter-attacks. In none of their last seven matches have the "Black Cats" enjoyed more possession than their opponents. While this style yields results, it limits time spent in the opponent's final third, affecting their set-piece opportunities. For instance, Regis Le Bris's team ranks second-to-last in the Premier League for corners earned, averaging 3.59. It seems reasonable to predict Sunderland's total corners will be under 4.5.
Editorial Prediction
Let's finally talk about Leeds United. The "Peacocks" are on an impressive run, remaining unbeaten in their last four matches. Their opponents haven't been easy either, with three of them sitting in the top ten and two in the top five of the standings. Moreover, in head-to-head clashes, Sunderland have failed to secure a victory in their last three encounters against Leeds. Additionally, the African Cup of Nations has significantly impacted the "Black Cats'" roster. Given the current league standings, a draw (1-1) seems like a fair result here. Under these circumstances, betting on Leeds not to lose could be a smart move.
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Betting Tips: Sunderland - Leeds United
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