Sunderland vs Leeds Prediction & Betting Tips (28 December)

Returning to the Premier League this season after almost 10 years in the lower echelons of English football, Sunderland are largely living up to observers' expectations. Better yet, Régis Le Bris' players are in a very good 6th place at the start of this 18th day with only 2 points behind the 4th place occupied by Chelsea. If they had a serious setback against Manchester City 3-0 at the start of December, the Black Cats recovered well by dominating Newcastle 1-0 and they then sought a good point against Brighton 1-1 last week. Just like their opponent of the day, Leeds played in the 2nd division last year but this team does not manage to integrate the 1st part of the ranking as their opponent of the day can do.

Indeed, the promoted players are in 16th place in the ranking but they still took a nice margin of 6 points on the first relegation before the start of this 18th day. Undefeated for 4 days, the Peacocks first took the measure of Chelsea 3-1 before stringing together 2 draws against Liverpool 3-3 and Brentford 1-1. Finally, last week, the Whites knocked off Crystal Palace 4-1 to extend their lead in the red zone. 

Sunderland must still cope without the long-term injured Alese. In addition to this, defenders Reinildo and Masuaku, midfielder Sadiki as well as wingers Bertrand Traoré and Talbi have all joined their respective teams to compete in the Africa Cup of Nations. On the other hand, replacement defender O'Nien is back from suspension. Up front, Dutch striker Brobbey (2 goals in PL) and Frenchman Isidor (4 goals in PL) are competing for the center forward position. Former Lorient player Le Fée (2 goals and 3 assists in PL) should start as a playmaker, ahead of midfielder Xhaka in particular. Opposite, Leeds will go to the Stadium of Light without the important striker Nmecha (4 goals in PL), midfielder Longstaff and winger potentially titular James who remains recovering.

Half-hearted at the start of the season, striker Calvert-Lewin (7 goals in the PL) is now moving on. Author of a double against Palace, he scored in the last 5 days of the Premier League. At his side, the Swiss could still take his place Okafor (2 goals in PL) and the interesting midfielder Stach (3 goals). The probable line-ups for Sunderland - Leeds: Sunderland: Roefs - Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Hume - Xhaka, Le Fée - Adingra, Rigg, Mundle - Brobbey (or Isidor). Leeds: Lucas Perri - Bogle, Rodon, Bijol, Struijk, Gudmundsson - Tanaka, Ampadu, Stach - Calvert-Lewin, Okafor.