Sunderland vs Leeds United Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | Premier League 2025-26

Three of the last five meetings between these clubs have ended in a draw.

Sunderland AFC are now going to take on Leeds United FC for their matchweek 18 fixture of the 2025-26 Premier League. This is going to be an intense outing, which is going to take place at the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats were held to a goalless draw by Brighton & Hove Albion in their previous league outing. Their performance was not up to the mark, and they had to settle for a single point.

Sunderland AFC are placed seventh on the league table, and a win in the upcoming fixture can get them to the top four. They will be at home for their next game, putting them in an advantage.

Leeds United FC have not been able to perform up to the mark since the start of the season. But in their last four league games, they have shown some improvements.

The Peacocks are coming in after securing a dominating win against Crystal Palace in their last fixture. They are in 16th place on the Premier League points table with five wins in 17 matches this season.

Kick-off:

• Location: Sunderland, England
• Stadium: Stadium of Light
• Date: Sunday, December 28
• Kick-off Time: 07:30 p.m. IST/ 02:00 p.m. GMT/ 09:00 a.m. ET/ 06:00 a.m. PT
• Referee: Tony Harrington
• VAR: In use

Form:

Sunderland: W-D-L-W-D

Leeds: L-W-D-D-W

Players to Watch

Wilson Isidor (Sunderland)

The 25-year-old is going to be one of the main men in the attacking front for the Black Cats. He has scored four goals in 17 Premier League appearances this season and will be keen to add more to his tally. Wilson Isidor will be keen to score a goal or two, which can be a big advantage for the hosts.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds)

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has found the net seven times in 15 league games this season. He is going to be a constant threat to the opponent’s defence.

The 28-year-old is in top form at the moment and will be looking to help his side in the final third yet again. He scored a brace in the previous game against the Eagles.

🔥 Scoring against Palace, Dominic Calvert-Lewin became the first #LUFC player to score in five consecutive @premierleague games since Mark Viduka in August 2003 pic.twitter.com/6IsahYNDNK

— Leeds United (@LUFC) December 22, 2025

Match Facts

• Leeds United FC are undefeated in their last four games.
• Sunderland AFC are unbeaten in their last two matches.
• The Black Cats haven’t secured a win against the Peacocks in their last five attempts.

Sunderland vs Leeds: Betting Tips and Odds

• Sunderland AFC to win @13/8 BetFred
• Wilson Isidor to score @11/5 bet365
• Goals over 3.5 @33/10 BetMGM

Injury and Team News

Ajibola Alese is injured, and Luke O’Nien is suspended. Both of them are out of action for Sunderland. Chemsdine Talbi, Noah Sadiki, Arthur Masuaku, Reinildo, Bertrand Traore and Habib Diarra are on international duty for AFCON 2025 games.

Leeds United will be without the services of Daniel James. He is injured. Sean Longstaff and Lukas Nmecha are likely to miss out due to their fitness issues.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 97

Sunderland won: 35

Leeds won: 41

Draws: 21

Predicted Lineups

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

Roefs (GK); Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Hume; Xhaka, Geertruida; Rigg, Le Fee, Adingra; Isidor

Leeds United predicted lineup (3-5-2)

Perri (GK); Rodon, Bijol, Struijk; Bogle, Aaronson, Ampadu, Stacch, Gudmundsson; Calvert-Lewin, Okafor

Match Prediction

These clubs are going to put up an intense fight against each other, but it is going to be Sunderland AFC who are likely to come out on top. They should secure a win over Leeds United FC in their upcoming Premier League clash.

Prediction: Sunderland 3-2 Leeds

Telecast Details

India: JioHotstar, Star Sports Network

UK: TNT Sports and Sky Sports

USA: NBC Sports

Nigeria: SuperSport

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