A battle of two promotion contenders is coming right up on Friday night. Sunderland will take on Leeds as the new leaders of the Championship. But can the Whites take anything from this game, or will it go the way of the home team at the Stadium of Light?
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Sunderland vs Leeds prediction: A hard-fought draw on the road for Whites
Key stats
- Sunderland have scored 16 goals in 8 Championship games this season
- Both teams have scored in 2 of the last 5 encounters between these sides
- Sunderland are averaging 2.0 goals per game at home this season
- Leeds have scored at least 1 goal in 3 of 4 away games this season
Correct score prediction: Sunderland 1-1 Leeds
Based on Sunderland’s current position in the Championship and due to their home form, we think they will be hard to beat here. For that reason, we believe the Whites can only come away with a draw. But we expect both teams to score in what should be a high-level contest.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Whites favoured to pick up three points
- HOME: 9/4 (3.25) – 30.80%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.40%
- AWAY: 23/20 (2.15) – 46.50%
It’s rather interesting that Leeds are favoured to pick up all three points on the road here, as indicated by their 46.50% probability of victory. Sure, they’ve performed well on the road, but Sunderland haven’t lost at home all season. Therefore, we’d expect Sunderland to have a higher win percentage than 30.80%.
For additional predictions ahead of the weekend’s action, be sure to check out our football betting tips page when you can.
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Most recent H2Hs: A mixed bag between the teams
Looking at the last four Championship meetings between these two, things are perfectly split. Leeds claimed victory over Sunderland on the road in one of those games, but they lost the other. As for both games played at Leeds, these have finished in draws. This relates to all matches played in 2017 or later.
England Championship 09/04/24
Leeds
Sunderland
England Championship 12/12/23
Sunderland
Leeds
England Championship 07/04/18
Leeds
Sunderland
England Championship 19/08/17
Sunderland
Leeds
England FA Cup 04/01/15
Sunderland
Leeds
Sunderland preview: Flying high in EFL Championship
Following their victory over Derby on Tuesday night, Sunderland are now the Championship leaders. They’ve won 6 from 8 games, and they have the joint-best goal difference in the entire league (+10).
Predicted Lineup: Patterson (GK), Hume, Cirkin, O'Nien, Mepham, Bellingham, Neil, Rigg, Mundle, Isidor, Roberts
England Championship 01/10/24
W
Derby
0
Sunderland
2
England Championship 28/09/24
L
Watford
2
Sunderland
1
England Championship 21/09/24
W
Middlesbrough
0
Sunderland
1
England Championship 14/09/24
L
Plymouth
3
Sunderland
2
England Championship 31/08/24
W
Portsmouth
1
Sunderland
3
Leeds preview: Fighting to continue winning ways
Leeds have a realistic shot at promotion this season, and they are fighting hard to get it. They currently sit in 4th position with 4 wins, 3 draws, and just 1 loss. And they have some of the best away form of any team in the Championship.
Predicted Lineup: Meslier (GK), Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Firpo, Gruev, Tanaka, Ramazani, Aaronson, Gnonto, Joseph
England Championship 01/10/24
D
Norwich
1
Leeds
1
England Championship 28/09/24
W
Coventry
0
Leeds
3
England Championship 21/09/24
W
Cardiff
0
Leeds
2
England Championship 14/09/24
L
Burnley
1
Leeds
0
England Championship 31/08/24
W
Hull
0
Leeds
2
Player to watch – Joel Piroe (Leeds)
We’ve highlighted Joel Piroe a few times in recent weeks, and he deserves the spotlight again here. As Leeds United’s top scorer, Piroe is the guy they look to when they need to make things happen in a game.
With 3 goals in 8 games and 2 from his last 3, Piroe could be a difference-maker here!
