Sunderland vs Leeds United Preview - prediction, team news, lineups | Pre-Season Friendly

The Whites have failed to secure a win in their last two meetings with the Black Cats.

Sunderland AFC are all set to have a face-off against Leeds United for their second club friendly fixture ahead of the 2026-27 season. These English Premier League clubs will be looking to put in a top show at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, USA.

Régis Le Bris’ men are coming in after facing a 2-4 loss at the hands of English giants Liverpool in their previous fixture. Their attack looked on point, but they struggled to control the tempo of the game. They were ahead at one point during the game, but completely gave it away in the second half.

Sunderland AFC were not the best side in the midfield and will be looking to make some improvements this time around. The Black Cats were without many of their top stars, who might return to action this time around.

Nashville sessions 🥵👊 pic.twitter.com/QPgSR8AACk

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) July 27, 2026

The Daniel Farke-led side is coming in after their 2-3 defeat against the EFL Championship side, Wrexham AFC. The scores were level until the Red Dragons came up with a match-winner in the final moments of the game. The Whites failed to contain their opponents.

Leeds United will be in for a tougher contest for their second pre-season 2026-27 fixture. Their last two performances against Sunderland have not been the best, but they will be looking to turn the tide around.

Kick-off:

• Location: Harrison, New Jersey, USA
• Venue: Red Bull Arena
• Date: Friday, July 31
• Kick-off Time: 05:00 AM IST (Thursday, July 30; 11:30 PM GMT/ 07:00 PM ET/ 04:00 PM PT)
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: Not in use

Form:

Sunderland: L

Leeds: L

Players to Watch

Timur Tuterov (Sunderland)

Timur Tuterov was the standout performer for Sunderland AFC in their last contest against Liverpool. His performance was not quite enough to get his team a win, but he engraved his name on the scoresheet in what was an important goal. The Ukrainian winger will be looking to step up his game and come up with a top performance.

Joel Piroe (Leeds United)

The 26-year-old was one of the goal scorers for Leeds United in their previous clash against Wrexham AFC. Joel Piroe was a constant threat to the opponent’s defence and will be looking to come up with another similar performance. He will surely play an important role in the final third for the Whites.

Match Facts

• Sunderland only created one big chance in their last game.
• Leeds United conceded three goals in their last match.
• The Whites have only secured one win in their last seven fixtures against the Black Cats.

Betting tips & Odds

• Sunderland to win @6/4 Paddy Power
• Wilson Isidor to score @7/4 SkyBet
• Goals under 3.5 @2/5 Ladbrokes

Injury and Team News

For Sunderland, Granit Xhaka, Chemsdine Talbi, Omar Alderete, and Thomas Meunier were part of the FIFA World Cup 2026. They are yet to return to club training. Brian Brobbey, Nilson Angulo, Habib Diarra, Robin Roefs, Simon Adingra, Arthur Masuaku and Noah Sadiki might return to action against Leeds United.

After reaching the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals with Switzerland, Noah Okafor is not going to be in action for Leeds United.

Head-to-head

Matches played: 99

Sunderland (wins): 36

Leeds (wins): 41

Draws: 22

Predicted Lineups

Sunderland predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Ellborg (GK); Mukiele, Ballard, O’Nien, Reinildo; Browne; Hume, Le Fee, Rigg, Tutierov; Isidor

Leeds predicted XI (3-4-3)

Perri (GK); Rodon, Bijol, Muharemovic; Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Justin; James, Joel Piroe, Wilson

Match prediction

This will be an intense and fun contest to look at. Sunderland attacked well in the last fixture and will be looking to come up with a similar tactic against the Whites.

Leeds United are surely not looking to go down without a fight, but the Black Cats might come out on top with a win here.

Prediction: Sunderland 2-1 Leeds

Telecast Details

SAFC Live, LUTV website & Official Leeds United App can be used to view this fixture live.

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