SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 14: Daniel Ballard of Sunderland celebrates the teams first goal, an own goal, conceded by Nick Woltemade of Newcastle United (not pictured) during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Newcastle United at Stadium of Light on December 14, 2025 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Sunderland will host Leeds United for their final game of 2025 at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon.
The teams are positioned at different ends of the standings, with Sunderland in sixth place on 27 points after a goalless draw against Brighton. Leeds sits in 16th place with 19 points following a 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace. Sunderland aims to continue their impressive home record, as they are one of only two Premier League teams yet to lose at home this season.
Leeds, now under Daniel Farke, has regained momentum and is six points clear of the relegation zone after a strong December. Both teams face challenges with injuries and international absences, making this match an important test of their squad depth.
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris has several key players unavailable due to the Africa Cup of Nations. Arthur Masuaku, Reinildo Mandava, Noah Sadiki, Chemsdine Talbi, and Bertrand Traoré will miss the match. Simon Adingra, who was not selected for the Ivory Coast squad, is likely to start in attack, possibly alongside Brian Brobbey. Granit Xhaka will lead the midfield, potentially partnered by defender Lutsharel Geertruida, while Daniel Ballard and Omar Alderete could play in central defence.
Daniel Farke has a shorter injury list but will miss Sean Longstaff and Daniel James, who are sidelined. Lukas Nmecha might return to the squad if he progresses well in training. Farke is expected to maintain the attacking pair of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor, who both performed well against Crystal Palace. Ethan Ampadu is set to lead the midfield alongside Anton Stach and Brenden Aaronson.
Sunderland has been strong at home this season, remaining unbeaten with five wins and three draws. However, they have struggled to create scoring chances, holding the lowest expected goals (xG) from open play in the league at 7.6. Despite this, their solid defense keeps them in contention for European qualification, sitting in sixth place.
Leeds is experiencing a resurgence, remaining unbeaten in their last four matches (W2 D2). They’ve found their scoring form, netting at least three goals in three of those games. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has stood out, scoring six goals in his last five league matches. If he scores again today, he will be the first Leeds player since 1960 to score in six consecutive top-flight games.
Sunderland predicted XI: Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Hume; Xhaka, Geertruida; Rigg, Le Fée, Adingra; Brobbey
Leeds United predicted XI: Perri; Rodon, Bijol, Struijk; Bogle, Aaronson, Ampadu, Stach, Guðmundsson; Calvert-Lewin, Okafor
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage beginning at 13:00 GMT.
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