Sunderland vs Leeds prediction: ENGLAND: Premier League betting tips on match 2025-12-27 14:00.
[p]Two of the sides promoted to the Premier League this season collide here as top-six Sunderland host a Leeds side on the up.[/p]
[p]Match News and Current Form[/p]
[p]Sunderland have defied expectations since returning to the top flight, as they start the round inside the top six after a brilliant run of just two defeats from their last ten games (W4, D4). Performances have tapered off a little in recent weeks (W1, D2, L1) perhaps due in part to losing a number of players to the Africa Cup of Nations, with the Black Cats netting just once across their last three fixtures. Régis Le Bris’ men remain strong at home, as they’re unbeaten at the Stadium of Light in the league this season (W5, D3), and could now win three successive top-flight home games for the first time since February 2012.[/p]
[p]A four-match unbeaten run (W2, D2) lifted Leeds six points clear of the relegation zone at Christmas, with a marquee 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace last time out inspiring further belief that they can consolidate their place in the Premier League. Pressure on Daniel Farke’s position has eased, and things could get even better for the German if he can inspire an improvement on the road as only Wolves (1) have earned fewer away points than Leeds this season (W1, D1, L6). Entertainment could be in short supply in this matchup if recent history is anything to go by, as Leeds’ final league game of the previous three calendar years have produced just two total goals (W1, D1, L1)![/p]
[p]Head-to-Head History[/p]
[p]This will be the first meeting between these sides in the Premier League since Boxing Day in 2002. Sunderland have lost eight of the last ten H2Hs in this competition (W2), but have had more success in recent meetings in lower divisions, avoiding defeat in four of the last five meetings at the Stadium of Light (W3, D1).[/p]
[p]Hot Stats and Streaks[/p]
[p]Sunderland have led just three league matches at half-time this season (HT: D10, L4).[/p]
[p]Six of Sunderland’s last eight competitive home games saw both teams score.[/p]
[p]Leeds have conceded first in a joint-league high seven away games this season.[/p]
[p]Leeds boss Farke has won just one of his six managerial H2Hs against Sunderland (D3, L2).[/p]
[p]Key Players to Watch and Missing Players[/p]
[p]Sunderland’s Chris Rigg has netted the match opener in three of his last four scoring appearances, one of which came in this fixture last season. In-form Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is looking to score in six successive Premier League games for the first time ever, while the last Leeds player to do so in the top flight was John McCole back in 1959/60![/p]
[p]AFCON absentees aside, Sunderland don’t appear to have any fresh absences, while Leeds remain without Dan James and Lukas Nmecha.[/p]
[p]For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.[/p]
[p]Betting Analysis[/p]
[p]A Leeds side plagued by travel sickness seem unlikely to fire the goals in here, and with Sunderland struggling up front, backing under 2.5 match goals seems a sensible wager.[/p]
[p][i]Author: Ryan Fisher[/i][/p]