Sunderland vs Leeds: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Ladbrokes' detailed preview for Sunderland vs Leeds in the Premier League. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 14:00 GMT match.

• Fixture: Sunderland vs Leeds
• Date: Sunday, 28 December 2025
• Kick-off: 14:00 GMT
• Venue: Stadium of Light

Sunderland's recent form suggests they're a tough nut to crack at home, with wins against Newcastle and Bournemouth. They've shown they can hold their own against top teams, drawing with Brighton and Liverpool away. With a solid defensive record and the attacking threat of Brian Brobbey, they could pose problems for Leeds. However, Leeds have been in fine scoring form, netting four against Crystal Palace and three against both Liverpool and Chelsea. This match could be a close affair, with both teams likely to create chances.

Leeds' attacking prowess might be tested by Sunderland's disciplined defence, but their recent results show they can score against anyone. The absence of key players like Daniel James might affect their fluidity, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor have been in good form.

If Leeds can exploit any gaps in Sunderland's midfield, they could come away with a win. However, Sunderland's home advantage and recent performances suggest they'll be competitive throughout.

Sunderland have been in decent form lately, with two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five games. Their home form has been particularly strong, beating Newcastle and Bournemouth, which should give them confidence going into this match. The draws against Brighton and Liverpool show they can compete with top teams, even if they couldn't secure the win. This solid run of results should keep their spirits high and their performance level consistent.

Recent Premier League Results:

• Draw: 0-0 vs Brighton (A)
• Win: 1-0 vs Newcastle (H)
• Loss: 0-3 vs Manchester City (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Liverpool (A)
• Win: 3-2 vs Bournemouth (H)

Leeds have been in excellent form, with three wins and two draws in their last five games. Their attacking display against Crystal Palace, scoring four goals, and the three goals against both Liverpool and Chelsea highlight their offensive capabilities. The only blemish was a narrow loss to Manchester City away, which is understandable given City's strength. This strong run of form should give Leeds the momentum to push for a win against Sunderland.

Recent Premier League Results:

• Win: 4-1 vs Crystal Palace (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Brentford (A)
• Draw: 3-3 vs Liverpool (H)
• Win: 3-1 vs Chelsea (H)
• Loss: 2-3 vs Manchester City (A)

The head-to-head record between Sunderland and Leeds shows a closely contested rivalry. In their most recent encounter, Leeds won 2-1 at home, but the previous match ended in a 2-2 draw. Sunderland managed a 1-0 victory against Leeds in December 2023, while the earliest recorded match in the data was a 1-1 draw. This suggests that both teams can compete and that the upcoming match could be another tight affair.

Recent Results

• Leeds 2-1 Sunderland (17 Feb 2025) - Championship

• Sunderland 2-2 Leeds (04 Oct 2024) - Championship

• Leeds 0-0 Sunderland (09 Apr 2024) - Championship

• Sunderland 1-0 Leeds (12 Dec 2023) - Championship

• Leeds 1-1 Sunderland (07 Apr 2018) - Championship

• Ajibola Alese (Shoulder) - Out

• Habib Diarra (International duty) - Out

• Luke O'nien (Suspended) - Out

• Noah Sadiki (International duty) - Out

• Arthur Masuaku (International duty) - Out

• Reinildo (International duty) - Out

• Chemsdine Talbi (International duty) - Out

• Bertrand Traoré (International duty) - Out

• Daniel James (Hamstring) - Out

• Sean Longstaff (Calf) - Out

• Lukas Nmecha (Hamstring) - Out

• Predicted lineup: Roefs (GK), Mukiele (DF), Ballard (DF), Alderete (DF), Hume (DF), Xhaka (MF), Geertruida (MF), Rigg (MF), Le Fee (MF), Adingra (MF), Brobbey (AT)

Sunderland are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Roefs in goal and a back four of Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, and Hume. The midfield duo of Xhaka and Geertruida will provide stability, while Rigg, Le Fee, and Adingra will look to create chances for Brobbey up front.

• Predicted lineup: Perri (GK), Rodon (DF), Bijol (DF), Struijk (DF), Bogle (MF), Aaronson (MF), Ampadu (MF), Stach (MF), Gudmundsson (MF), Calvert-Lewin (AT), Okafor (AT)

Leeds are likely to stick with their 3-5-2 formation, with Perri between the posts and a back three of Rodon, Bijol, and Struijk. The wing-backs, Bogle and Gudmundsson, will provide width, while Aaronson, Ampadu, and Stach control the midfield. Up top, Calvert-Lewin and Okafor will lead the line and look to exploit any defensive lapses.

• Brobbey vs Rodon: Brobbey's pace and finishing will be tested against Rodon's defensive solidity.
• Adingra vs Aaronson: Adingra's creativity will face a stern challenge from Aaronson's work rate and pressing.
• Geertruida (Sunderland): Geertruida's ability to control the midfield will be crucial for Sunderland's possession and tempo.
• Bogle (Leeds): Bogle's attacking runs from wing-back could be a key factor in Leeds' offensive strategy.

Sunderland vs Leeds at 14:00 GMT on Sunday, 28 December 2025, will be broadcast live for viewers in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR.

Ladbrokes is predicting that the score will be Sunderland 1-2 Leeds in this match.

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