Leeds United are in action for the final time in 2025 later this afternoon as the Whites look to maintain their unbeaten run in the Premier League, away at Sunderland.
Daniel Farke has now watched his side go four games unbeaten, having come within an inch of receiving the sack. Wins against Chelsea and Crystal Palace, intersected by draws against Liverpool and Brentford.
Mark Viduka was the hero for Leeds United in this vintage win over Sunderland 🦘
Can Daniel Farke pull off a similar result at the Stadium of Light?
Now, Leeds face another difficult away trip, having secured a late point against Brentford thanks to one of Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s six goals in his last five games. They go to surprise package Sunderland today.
Sunderland are in the hunt for European qualification after a stunning first half to the 2025-26 season, with Regis Le Bris deserving plaudits and ridiculing the myth that promoted sides would suffer relegation.
Confirmed Leeds United XI to face Sunderland on Wearside
Before the game, Farke confirmed he would be without Sean Longstaff and Dan James. But that Lukas Nmecha might be in line for a return if he could prove his fitness by completing team training this week.
Now, Farke has included Nmecha in the squad, but as easily predicted, on the bench. The only player that might have worried about his spot in the side was Brenden Aaronson, but he did get a standing ovation.
Indeed, Aaronson remains in the starting line-up to take on Sunderland, ahead of Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev. It means no changes for Leeds, but Nmecha is added to the bench and Sam Byram drops out.
Are you happy with Daniel Farke’s XI to face Sunderland?
No changes…
Daniel Farke’s record against Sunderland and Regis Le Bris
Everyone will remember the two matches in which Farke and Le Bris shared a touchline. The first saw Leeds come within an inch of a 2-1 win on Wearside, only for Illan Meslier to make an absolute howler.
A simple lob seemed to spin off the surface and Meslier took his eye off the ball. It saw Sunderland score to make it 2-2 in the final few seconds. But Leeds got their own revenge at Elland Road, later on.
The last time Leeds faced Sunderland… is a repeat in the offing?
Pascal Struijk's two goals last time out v Sunderland!
A Pascal Struijk brace saw Leeds come from behind to beat Sunderland late on earlier this year, largely thanks to the wand that Joe Rothwell calls his right foot. Farke will be hoping to remain unbeaten.
But this is a Sunderland side completely different to the one Leeds faced last season. If Leeds can keep their unbeaten run going into the new year, then it will be deemed a very good result for Farke’s side.
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