Sunderland spent last season proving they belonged in the Premier League. Seven games into the new campaign, they’re already facing a fight to stay there.
The Black Cats finished seventh last term, but Sunday’s visitors Leeds have made a far better start to 2026/27.
Daniel Farke’s side have lost just once in their opening seven Premier League matches, with their only defeat coming against Arsenal. Sunderland, meanwhile, have taken four points from a possible 21 and sit bottom of the table.
Régis Le Bris has had little time to put things right. His side were beaten 2-0 at Bournemouth last weekend before travelling to Poland on Thursday, where they drew 1-1 with Lech Poznań in the Europa League.
Leeds have had the luxury of a full week to prepare following their 1-1 draw against Manchester United.
With Sunderland struggling for goals, missing important players and facing another quick turnaround, the visitors have an excellent opportunity to strengthen their position in the top half.
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What are the best betting tips for Sunderland vs Leeds?
Leeds to win
Leeds are favourites for Sunday’s match, and it’s difficult to argue with that assessment based on the opening seven games.
Farke’s side have lost only once in the Premier League this season, and that was a narrow 2-1 defeat away to Arsenal.
They’ve also beaten Newcastle 4-1 and picked up draws against Brighton, Crystal Palace and Manchester United.
Their performances haven’t always been spectacular, but Leeds have been difficult to beat and considerably more consistent than Sunderland.
The Black Cats have lost four of their last five Premier League fixtures, conceding 11 goals during that sequence.
Their last two league matches ended in 2-0 defeats against Brighton and Bournemouth, with Le Bris struggling to find a reliable attacking solution.
Sunderland also face a demanding turnaround after Thursday’s Europa League trip to Poland.
Leeds, by comparison, haven’t played since last Sunday.
That additional preparation time could prove important, particularly during the second half when Sunderland’s European commitments begin to take their toll.
With Leeds available around 13/10 at some bookmakers, there’s a reasonable argument that the visitors offer value despite their favourites tag.
Under 2.5 goals
Sunderland’s biggest problem hasn’t simply been losing matches. It’s how little they’ve offered going forward.
The Black Cats have scored six goals in seven Premier League fixtures, averaging fewer than one per match.
They’ve also failed to score in three of their last five league games.
Brian Brobbey has provided their most consistent goal threat, but his recent hamstring problem has left Le Bris short of options in attack.
Leeds, meanwhile, have conceded just six goals in seven Premier League matches.
They’ve kept things particularly tight in recent weeks, drawing 0-0 with Crystal Palace and 1-1 with Manchester United.
Their defeat to Arsenal was also settled by a single goal.
Farke has built a side that looks comfortable defending without the ball, and Leeds shouldn’t need to take unnecessary risks against a Sunderland team struggling to create chances.
The visitors have enough quality to win, but this doesn’t necessarily look like a match that will produce four or five goals.
With Sunderland desperate to stop their losing run, Le Bris may also adopt a more cautious approach.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin anytime goalscorer
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has made an encouraging start to the season, scoring four goals in Leeds’ opening seven Premier League matches.
The striker has registered 14 shots, with an expected goals total of 3.72, suggesting he’s getting into the positions needed to maintain that return.
He also benefits from a Leeds midfield capable of creating opportunities through Anton Stach, Noah Okafor and the movement of their wing-backs.
Sunderland’s defensive absences make this an especially interesting matchup.
Daniel Ballard remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Kevin Danso is suspended.
That leaves Le Bris without two important central defensive options against a striker who thrives on physical battles and deliveries into the penalty area.
Calvert-Lewin should have opportunities to attack crosses and occupy Sunderland’s makeshift back line.
The England international has already scored more league goals this season than any Sunderland player, and he looks the most obvious candidate to make the difference.
Backing him to score anytime provides a more ambitious selection than simply taking Leeds to register a goal.
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How to watch Sunderland vs Leeds
Sunderland host Leeds at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, 25 October 2026, with kick-off at 4:30 pm GMT.
United Kingdom: Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Go and NOW.
United States: Kick-off is at 12:30 pm ET. Check NBC Sports and Peacock’s match listings for live coverage.
Canada: Kick-off is at 12:30 pm ET. Check Fubo Canada and DAZN’s Premier League listings for coverage.
What is Sunderland’s predicted lineup?
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Roefs; Mukiele, O’Nien, Alderete, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Hume, Rigg, Le Fée; Brobbey.
Injured: Daniel Ballard, Romaine Mundle.
Doubts: Wilson Isidor, Thomas Meunier.
Suspended: Kevin Danso.
Régis Le Bris faces several selection headaches, particularly in defence.
Daniel Ballard remains unavailable with a hamstring injury, while Kevin Danso is suspended.
Luke O’Nien could therefore partner Omar Alderete in central defence, with Nordi Mukiele and Reinildo operating at full-back.
Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki should continue in midfield, providing experience and energy in front of the back four.
Further forward, Chris Rigg and Enzo Le Fée are expected to provide the creativity.
The biggest question concerns Brian Brobbey.
The Dutch striker missed Thursday’s Europa League match against Lech Poznań, but Le Bris indicated before that game that he expected Brobbey to be ready for Leeds.
However, after a hamstring problem, Sunderland may be reluctant to rush him straight back into the starting XI.
Wilson Isidor and Thomas Meunier are also progressing in their recoveries, but neither has been confirmed fit.
What is Leeds’ predicted lineup?
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Trafford; Justin, Elvedi, Muharemović; Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson; Stach, Okafor; Calvert-Lewin.
Injured: Joe Rodon, Mateo Joseph.
Doubts: Daniel James.
Suspended: None confirmed.
Daniel Farke has fewer injury concerns than his opposite number, although Joe Rodon’s absence remains significant.
The defender is recovering from a hamstring injury, while Mateo Joseph is unavailable with a serious knee problem.
Daniel James is also a fitness concern.
James Trafford should start in goal behind a back three featuring James Justin, Nico Elvedi and Tarik Muharemović.
Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson are expected to provide width, with Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka occupying the central midfield positions.
Anton Stach and Noah Okafor should operate behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Farke is unlikely to make major changes after last weekend’s draw against Manchester United.
Leeds have been defensively organised throughout the opening weeks, and maintaining that structure will be important against a Sunderland side desperate for a response.
Sunderland vs Leeds stats
- Sunderland sit 20th in the Premier League with four points from seven matches.
- Leeds have collected 10 points from seven games, losing only once.
- Sunderland have scored six Premier League goals this season, averaging 0.86 per match.
- Leeds have conceded six league goals, averaging 0.86 per match.
- Sunderland have lost four of their last five Premier League fixtures.
- The Black Cats have failed to score in three of those five matches.
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored four Premier League goals from 14 shots this season.
- Calvert-Lewin has recorded 3.72 expected goals across his opening seven league appearances.
- Enzo Le Fée has created 11 chances in the Premier League this season.
- Leeds’ only Premier League defeat came against Arsenal, when they lost 2-1 at the Emirates.
Sunderland vs Leeds prediction
The Black Cats desperately need something to change, but there’s little evidence from their recent league performances that a turnaround is imminent.
The Black Cats have struggled to score, their defensive options are limited and their Europa League commitments have added another challenge to an already difficult campaign.
Brobbey’s potential return would provide a welcome boost, but Le Bris cannot rely on one player to solve every attacking problem.
Leeds haven’t been flawless, although they’ve shown far greater consistency.
Farke’s side have lost only once, defend well and have a striker in Calvert-Lewin who is regularly finding dangerous positions.
The Stadium of Light should provide Sunderland with plenty of backing, but Leeds look better equipped to control this contest.
I fancy the visitors to take advantage of Sunderland’s depleted defence and leave Wearside with three points.
Score prediction: Sunderland 0-2 Leeds
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