Sunderland have won only one of their last six meetings with Leeds United, albeit the Whites have won only one of five visits to Wearside since Boxing Day 2004, losing three of them.
Sunderland vs Leeds preview
These two newly-promoted teams finished a whopping 24 points apart in the EFL Championship last season. Now in the Premier League, the gap between them is eight points, but the other way round.
No one could've foreseen how well play-off winners Sunderland would do upon their return to the top division after eight seasons away, spending Christmas Day sixth, dreaming of European qualification, rather than dreading the drop. Last weekend, the Black Cats were held to a goalless draw by Brighton on the South Coast, probably unlucky not to win, missing two big chances and creating an xG of 1.38.
Nevertheless, this means Régis Le Bris' side have lost just two of their last ten matches, still yet to taste defeat at the Stadium of Light. The Mackems have won five of eight matches on home soil so far, most-notably beating fierce rivals Newcastle in the Tyne-Wear derby a fortnight ago. So, with Man City set to visit Wearside on New Year's Day, will Sunderland pick up three more points here?
Leeds United meantime won last season's Championship title with 100 points, but every point is proving precious in their battle against the drop. Last time out, Daniel Farke's team demolished Crystal Palace 4-1 at Elland Road, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring twice before Ethan Ampadu added a third and then Anton Stach scored a stunning free-kick in injury time.
This extends Leeds' undefeated streak to four matches, also beating Chelsea as well as holding both Brentford and Liverpool to draws since Farke changed formation at half time at the Etihad. As a result, the Whites have climbed up to 16th, now six points clear of danger, but Liverpool, hated rivals Manchester United and then Newcastle their first three opponents of 2026, which certainly won't be easy. Thus, the Leeds supporters traveling to Wearside on Sunday will surely be desperate to see their side pick up at least a point, or perhaps even all three.
Sunderland vs Leeds United head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 97.
- Sunderland Wins: 35. Draws: 21. Leeds United Wins: 41.
Sunderland team news
Régis Le Bris does not have many options from which to choose at the moment, given that Reinildo Mandava, Arthur Masuaku, Noah Sadiki, Habib Diarra, Chemsdine Talbi and Bertrand Traoré are all at the Africa Cup of Nations. Meantime, this is the final match of Luke O'Nien's three-game ban.
So, an unchanged lineup compared to the one that took on Brighton could be deployed, featuring Lutsharel Geertruida filling in alongside Granit Xhaka in midfield, with Simon Adingra, who was left out of the Côte d'Ivoire squad, in attack.
Xhaka and Enzo Le Fée would sit out the clash with Manchester City on New Year's Day if booked.
Sunderland predicted lineup vs Leeds United: (4-3-3): Roefs; Mukiele, Alderete, Ballard, Hume; Xhaka, Geertruida, Le Fée; Rigg, Adingra, Brobbey.
Sunderland player to watch vs Leeds
Brian Brobbey has usurped Wilson Isidor as the first-choice striker, thanks to dramatic late goals against both Arsenal and Bournemouth, so will he be the Sunderland hero again?
Leeds team news
Leeds do not have any AFCON representation, but are without Sean Longstaff, Dan James and Lukas Nmecha due to injury.
Since Daniel Farke switched to a back five, his team are yet to taste defeat, so Pascal Struijk will continue in defence, while Brenden Aaronson was a surprise starter against Crystal Palace, but will the American keep his place over Ao Tanaka as part of the midfield three?
Jayden Bogle and captain Ethan Ampadu are at risk of meeting Thursday's clash with Liverpool if cautioned.
Leeds United predicted lineup vs Sunderland: (5-3-2): Perri; Bogle, Rodon, Bijol, Struijk, Gudmundsson; Ampadu, Stach, Tanaka; Okafor, Calvert-Lewin.
Leeds player to watch vs Sunderland
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been a player revitalised since the switch to a 5-3-2, scoring six goals in his last five Premier League outings, so can he score in six successive appearances in the competition for the very first time?
Sunderland vs Leeds prediction
This may not be the most glamorous Sunday offering the Premier League has ever served up, but it should certainly be entertaining, one in which we are backing Sunderland to make home advantage count, thereby bringing to an end Leeds' undefeated streak: Sunderland 2-1 Leeds United.
Sunderland vs Leeds FAQs - Premier League
How to watch Sunderland vs Leeds United in the Premier League on TV channel?
Sunderland vs Leeds United in the Premier League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Sky Sports Main Event, Premier League & Ultra HD.
- USA: fuboTV, NBC, Telemundo & Deportes En Vivo
- Canada: Fubo Sports Network Canada
How to watch Sunderland vs Leeds United in the Premier League on live streaming?
Sunderland vs Leeds United in the Premier League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: SkyGo & NOW TV.
- USA: fuboTV, nbcsports.com, USA Network & Telemundo
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Sunderland vs Leeds United in the Premier League?
Sunderland vs Leeds United takes place on Sunday 28 December 2025, with kick off at 14:00 (GMT), 9:00 (ET) & 6:00 (PT).