Sunderland will host Leeds United at the Stadium of Light on Friday in an EFL Championship clash that could put both teams into automatic promotion contention. Leeds are coming off of an 1-1 draw against Norwich City, yet have failed to find an outstanding goal scorer this season; nonetheless they have collected 13 points in six consecutive matches, showing they may finally be coming together as a cohesive unit.
In this article, we will discuss the main points or high lights of Sunderland Vs Leeds United.
Sunderland
On Friday evening at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland and Leeds United will face-off in a pivotal Championship fixture. While Sunderland currently lead their table, Leeds can overtake them by scoring two goals more in order to claim the lead themselves.
Sunderland have enjoyed an outstanding start to their campaign, earning them a place in the play-off places and positioning them well for promotion back into Premier League. So far this season they have won seven of eight matches while only dropping two – though improvement on away form may be key if they want to advance further in these playoffs.
Chris Rigg opened up the scoring early with a left-footed shot that beat Illan Meslier, but their second half performance let them down and they conceded four goals for just the third time this season.
Sunderland have had mixed performances away from home lately, yet their home record remains excellent and tough to beat in front of their own fans. Sunderland have won four of five games played at Stadium of Light so far this season and look set to extend that streak on Friday night against West Bromwich Albion.
Manager Daniel Farke will be without midfielder Ilia Gruev and defender Ethan Ampadu, both out for months with knee injuries. Farke will need to reshuffle his squad, possibly giving Joe Rothwell an opportunity to fill in at midfield.
Sunderland are looking to return to winning ways after two consecutive defeats on their travels this season; with Sunderland struggling on the road this campaign, a victory here could see them climb back up the table and back towards the top spot.
Sunderland used Patterson as their goalkeeper, Cirkin as their center back, Trai Hume, Chris Mepham, Dennis Cirkin (Wilson Isidor), Romaine Mundle, Jobe Bellingham and Patrick Roberts were also used. Substitutes not used were Moore (GK), Connolly Johnson Simon Moore Zak Johnson Milan Aleksic Abdoullah Ba Leo Fuhr Hjelde Nazariy Rusyn. Leeds used Meslier for goalkeeper; Pablo Hernandez; Pablo Hernandez; Pablo Hernandez Mateo Joseph Wilfried Gnonto Joel Piroe Ao Tanaka Brenden Aaronson Isaac Schmidt Junior Firpo Substitutes not used: Rothwell Yakuba Sacko and Ao Tanaka
Leeds United
Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier made a critical error late in a thrilling match-up against Sunderland that allowed Sunderland to escape with a point. Their hosts looked poised to close in on Championship leaders Leicester with goals by Joel Piroe and Junior Firpo either side of half time, yet Meslier’s miscue gave Sunderland vital point.
Early exchanges were dominated by Sunderland, but they struggled for space due to their high-pressing tactics that restricted their attack. Their best opportunity came when Timothee Pembele sent over a cross that Jack Clarke headed narrowly wide of the post. Following halftime and after another period of indecision followed until 17-year-old Sunderland striker Jobe Bellingham made a dramatic late strike off Meslier’s head to end unbeaten home record and end the tie stalemate
As the game neared its final stages, Daniel Farke brought on Joel Piroe, Connor Roberts and Mateo Joseph to try to salvage victory from an otherwise disjointed performance. Unfortunately for them though, no clear-cut chances presented themselves and Leicester were still left firmly in first place.
Leeds remain third in the Premier League table despite their disappointing showing on Saturday against Coventry City, just one point shy of second-placed Ipswich Town who lost at Coventry 2-1 and just two points off play-off spots with five games remaining.
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Predictions
Leeds United will look to rebound after suffering an early defeat against Middlesbrough on Wednesday with a victory against Sunderland this Friday at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland sit atop of the Championship standings after eight rounds, holding onto top spot by one point over Norwich City; Leeds currently lie in fourth with six wins and two draws while possessing an improved goal difference compared to Sunderland; they hope a victory here can put themselves over them into third.
Sunderland have enjoyed playing attacking football this season and have yet to concede a goal in any of their four home matches this campaign, starting off strong with a 1-0 victory against Derby County and following it up with two more victories against Middlesbrough 2-1 and Middlesbrough 2-1 respectively. Their impressive home record suggests they will be difficult opponents.
However, recent events have put their defensive stability into question. Both Middlesbrough and Burnley managed to score against them during recent league outings, raising questions over their promotion hopes and the club must maintain consistency if they want to retain their lead at the top of the table.
Sunderland have several strikers to choose from in Largie Ramazani and Willy Gnonto; they both possess the skill necessary to find space behind Leeds defense while taking on individual defenders one-on-one.
Since this fixture began, on average there have been an average of 1.67 goals scored per match and three encounters featured both teams scoring and going one better by scoring more. We anticipate a high-scoring game as both sides seek victory; nevertheless, due to being evenly matched teams on paper we predict a 1-1 draw as an outcome; any significant injury to either side could alter its course though.
Fixtures
Sunderland will face Leeds United in an important matchup for both teams on Saturday. Sunderland have started off their season strongly and currently lead the EFL Championship table with six wins and three draws so far, however consistency will be key if they want to achieve promotion this year. Likewise, Leeds are performing admirably and currently hold fourth position; fans can anticipate an exciting matchup.
Leeds are unbeaten at home under Regis Le Bris and will look to build on their strong start to the season. Unfortunately, their success has been marred by injuries in defense. Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev will both miss Friday’s match.
Even after suffering setbacks, Yorkshire club are in strong form and can beat Black Cats at Stadium of Light. Their squad includes Willy Gnonto, Mateo Joseph, Brenden Aaronson and Lagie Ramazani with Jobe Bellingham leading their attack and Jack Clarke providing young promise as goal scorer.
Sunderland will host Leeds at the Stadium of Light on Friday, October 4th with kickoff scheduled for 8 pm. You can stream their match live using Khel Now app and website; both services offer free streaming access. Stay informed by joining our SAFC WhatsApp Channel!
The Championship is an intensely competitive league where results from promotion-chasing rivals can have a major effect on the final table. Relegated clubs, especially Sheffield United and Luton Town, may find life tough back into second-tier football; both clubs currently find themselves battling relegation; both currently find themselves within striking distance of being relegated back. With so much at stake in terms of rankings and promotion positions, competition between them will undoubtedly be fierce as battle for top spots will rage on throughout 2018.
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