Leeds face a tricky test at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
A Sunderland side who are yet to lose on Wearside this season await Daniel Farke and Leeds, who can only lay claim to one win away from Elland Road so far this term.
Therefore – on paper at least – this is a seriously tough game for Leeds, and Paul Merson has now revealed that he thinks the Black Cats will have too much power for the Whites.
Paul Merson backs Sunderland to beat Leeds United 2-1 despite presence of “top player” in Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Despite acknowledging the remarkable form of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who can boast six goals in his last five games coming into this clash, the Arsenal legend is backing Sunderland to maintain their unbeaten record at home.
What is your prediction when Leeds United face Sunderland on Sunday?🤔
Only won one of the last five against the Black Cats…
Merson wrote for Sportskeeda: “This is a humongous game for both teams. Leeds are flying at the moment. It’s weird how things change so quickly in football. Not too long ago, they were 2-0 down at City and it looked like their season was going nowhere, but just look at them now.
“If they can maintain this form, I don’t think it’s beyond them to avoid relegation. We’ve known Dominic Calvert-Lewin for many years. He’s a top player and if he stays fit, Leeds always have a chance.
“Sunderland are missing a lot of key players due to the AFCON. I saw them last weekend and thought they did well to not lose that game. I think they will return to winning ways here. Prediction: Sunderland 2-1 Leeds United.”
Even Arsenal and Aston Villa – who currently occupy the top three in the Premier League – have failed to win on Wearside this season, so there would be no shame for Leeds in losing this one.
However, Brentford were also able to boast one of the best home records before Leeds showed up in London, and Farke was still able to coach his side to a point, so anything is possible on Sunday.
Paul Merson adds that Leeds United have made Everton look foolish
While Merson is tipping Leeds for defeat on Sunday, he did direct some praise towards the Whites for offering Calvert-Lewin a chance after Everton gave up on the England international.
The 57-year-old added: “Everton will be pulling their hair out thinking why they let Calvert-Lewin go. He’s scoring goals week in, week out now.
“Imagine him leading the line for Everton with (Jack) Grealish, (Kiernan) Dewsbury-Hall and (Iliman) Ndiaye behind him? That would have been exciting.”
Should Daniel Farke change his direct approach against Sunderland?
The Black Cats are among the best in the Premier League at defending set pieces
Everton spent £27m to sign Thierno Barry from Villarreal to replace Calvert-Lewin, but the Frenchman only has one goal in 17 Premier League appearances this season.
On the contrary, Calvert-Lewin can boast seven in 15 Premier League appearances after joining Leeds for free, even doubling Barry’s tally in just six minutes of action during the 4-1 win over Crystal Palace last time out.
If the Leeds No.9 can help secure more points for Farke on Sunday, he would make an even stronger case for himself to be deemed signing of the season.
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