Sunderland and Leeds United clash at the Stadium of Light in a Premier League match on Sunday, December 28, 2025. Both teams are aiming to end the year on a high note, but are dealing with key absences.
Sunderland currently sits in sixth place with 27 points, after a goalless draw with Brighton. Leeds United are in 16th place with 19 points, boosted by a 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace. Sunderland has been strong at home, remaining undefeated in the Premier League at the Stadium of Light this season. Leeds has been on a resurgence, going unbeaten in their last four matches.
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris is facing a selection dilemma due to the Africa Cup of Nations, with Arthur Masuaku, Reinildo Mandava, Noah Sadiki, Chemsdine Talbi, and Bertrand Traoré all unavailable. Simon Adingra, who was not selected for the Ivory Coast squad, is expected to start in attack alongside Brian Brobbey. Granit Xhaka is set to anchor the midfield, potentially with Lutsharel Geertruida. Daniel Ballard is out of the starting lineup, with Dennis Cirkin stepping into the team at left-back for his first senior appearance of the season. This results in Trai Hume moving to right-back and Nordi Mukiele partnering with Omar Alderete in central defense.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has fewer injury concerns but will still be without Sean Longstaff and Daniel James. There is a chance that Lukas Nmecha could be included in the squad. Farke is expected to keep Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor as the attacking duo. Ethan Ampadu is likely to lead the midfield with Anton Stach and Brenden Aaronson. Farke has named an unchanged lineup from the team that beat Crystal Palace 4-1.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been in excellent form, scoring six goals in his last five league appearances. If he scores in this match, he will be the first Leeds player since 1960 to score in six consecutive top-flight matches.
Predicted Lineups:
- Sunderland: Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Cirkin; Xhaka, Geertruida, Rigg; Adingra, Brobbey, Le Fee.
- Leeds United: Perri; Bogle, Rodon, Bijol, Struijk, Gudmundsson; Aaronson, Ampadu, Stach; Calvert-Lewin, Okafor.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 14:00 GMT and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.
