Leeds United icon Mark Viduka has advised his former club to play on the front foot in order to secure a result against Sunderland.
Daniel Farke has inspired a dramatic upturn in fortunes with Leeds, with his side taking eight points from their last four games to move out of the bottom three.
They face a fellow newly-promoted side in the Premier League in their next game, as they travel to Wearside to take on Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland side.
Mark Viduka warned Leeds that they cannot afford to be complacent before the game, with the chance to open up an eight-point gap over the Premier League relegation zone.
Now, Viduka has told Leeds how they can trouble the Black Cats as they look to secure just their second away win of the season.
What is your prediction when Leeds United face Sunderland on Sunday?🤔
Only won one of the last five against the Black Cats…
Mark Viduka urges Leeds United to press Sunderland
Speaking to TalkSport on the morning of 28th December, Viduka backed Leeds to go on the offensive at the Stadium of Light.
According to Viduka, Leeds have players who can trouble Sunderland if they press them high up the pitch, as Dominic Calvert-Lewin looks to continue his hot streak in front of goal.
Viduka said: “Look, Sunderland’s a difficult place to play. I played there many times, and the crowd get behind them. It’s not an easy place to play.
“What do they need? They need that resilience that they’ve had the last month or so, accompanied by confidence that they’ve got as well.
“Hopefully, if they can put pressure… I would like to see them press, and I think when they press teams, you know, straight away.
“They’ve got some players that, you know, they’re quite quick, and they can put defenders under pressure and, you know, I’d like to see them go up there and press it and go for it, you know. I think that’s the key.”
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Sunderland rank among the worst in the Premier League in key metric
Although Sunderland have enjoyed a strong return to the top flight this season, there are signs that Leeds can trouble them.
Le Bris admitted that he was wary of Leeds’ direct threat in front of goal, as his side have struggled in that aspect this season.
Should Daniel Farke change his direct approach against Sunderland?
The Black Cats are among the best in the Premier League at defending set pieces
According to the data from Opta, Sunderland have the worst expected goals (xG) of any team in the Premier League, with a total of just 14.7 from 17 games.
This low xG has translated to the joint-fourth fewest goals in the competition, with just 19. By contrast, with an xG of 24.88 and an actual goals tally of 24, Leeds are firmly mid-table by both metrics. If Farke’s side can pinch a lead, the Black Cats may find it difficult to get back into the game.
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