Sunderland vs Leeds United prediction, odds & betting tips 28/12/2025

Sunderland's shock challenge for European football continues on Sunday when they welcome an in-form Leeds United side to the Stadium of Light. Can the hosts continue their impressive start to the season, or will Leeds extend their recent unbeaten streak? Read our Sunderland vs Leeds United prediction and preview to find out, but don't forget to also check out some of our other Premier League predictions.

Sunderland vs Leeds United prediction: Hosts chase Europe

Key Stats

• Sunderland have only led just three Premier League games at half-time this season.
• Six of Sunderland’s last eight home matches saw both teams score.
• Leeds have conceded first in seven away matches this season.
• Leeds boss Daniel Farke has won just one of his six managerial games against Sunderland.

Correct score prediction: Sunderland 2-2 Leeds United

Sunderland have enjoyed a tremendous Premier League campaign so far, though losing several key players to the Africa Cup of Nations will be a huge challenge for the Black Cats to overcome. Leeds, on the other hand, have enjoyed a sensational turn around in fortunes and are currently on a four-match unbeaten run – this includes their 4-1 thumping of high-flyers Crystal Palace last time out. Bearing everything in mind, we should be in for a cracking clash at the Stadium of Light.

Pre-game odds and win probability: Sunderland slight favourites

• HOME: 8/5 (2.60) – 38.50%
• DRAW: 21/10 (3.10) – 32.30%
• AWAY: 9/5 (2.80) – 35.70%

*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change It's clear from these Sunderland vs Leeds United odds that the bookies are expecting a very close game. If you liked our predictions for this game, remember to also check our betting tips for today.

Most recent H2Hs: Forest eye historic win

Last six meetings between the two sides have all been played in the Championship, and they have all been incredibly competitive. When the two clubs clashed in February, it was Leeds who powered to a 2-1 victory at Elland Road. That was one of two wins they enjoyed during this six-match run against Sunderland. The Black Cats, on the other hand, have only picked up one win over the Whites since 2017.

Sunderland preview: Black Cats hit hard by AFCON

Having lost just two of their last 10 matches, it is clear that Sunderland are a tough nut to crack. Few have been able to find the recipe for success against the Black Cats, with the team sitting seventh in the table during Christmas – just two points adrift of the top four. In terms of absentees,  Arthur Masuaku, Reinildo Mandava, Noah Sadiki, Chemsdine Talbi and Bertrand Traore are all on AFCON duties. Despite this, Granit Xhaka is set to start in midfield alongside defender Lutsharel Geertruida, who was used in the middle against Brighton. Centre-backs Daniel Ballard and Omar Alderete could be paired together. Predicted lineup: Roefs (GK), Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Hume, Xhaka, Geertruida, Rigg, Le Fee, Adingra & Brobbey

Last five matches

• Brighton & Hove Albion 0-0 Sunderland (Premier League)
• Sunderland 1-0 Newcastle United (Premier League)
• Manchester City 3-0 Sunderland (Premier League)
• Liverpool 1-1 Sunderland (Premier League)
• Sunderland 3-2 AFC Bournemouth (Premier League)

Leeds United preview: Whites looking red-hot

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke was tipped to lose his job a couple of months ago. However, a sterling run of results, including a four-match unbeaten run, has allowed the German to continue in his post. The Whites head into the weekend 16th, sitting six points above the drop zone. In terms of injuries, forwards Lukas Nmecha and Daniel James, as well as midfielder Sean Longstaff, are the only concerns. Strikers Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor are expected to lead the attack, especially after their great performance against Palace. Predicted lineup: Perri (GK), Rodon, Bijol, Struijk, Bogle, Aaronson, Ampadu, Stach, Gudmundsson, Calvert-Lewin & Okafor

Last five matches

• Leeds United 4-1 Crystal Palace (Premier League)
• Brentford 1-1 Leeds United (Premier League)
• Leeds United 3-3 Liverpool (Premier League)
• Leeds United 3-1 Chelsea (Premier League)
• Manchester City 3-2 Leeds United (Premier League)

Player to watch: Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the one to watch in Sunday's game. The player has scored in five successive games, and he could be come the first Leeds player since John McCole in 1959-60 to rattle the net in six straight top flight outings.

The 28-year-old bagged a brace last time out against Crystal Palace, and Sunderland's defence will be well aware of his attacking threat.

epl predictions this weekend