Leeds United are set to travel to the Stadium of Light for a crucial matchup against promotion rival Sunderland. Both teams are eager to secure three points to improve their positions in the Championship table, as they aim for automatic promotion to the Premier League next season.
Both teams are dealing with injuries as they head into this clash, which wraps up a busy week of three matches for the Whites. Leeds has several players sidelined, including Ilia Gruev, Ethan Ampadu, Manor Solomon, Dan James, Isaach Schmidt, and Max Wober.
Gruev has become the latest player to pick up an injury after leaving the 1-1 draw between Leeds and Norwich City. Meanwhile, Sunderland is also facing challenges with injuries to key players.
Expert weighs in on Leeds-Sunderland match
Leeds may have some big-name players, but Sunderland is riding a wave of momentum, and Luke Phelps from Sunderland AFC News believes that Sunderland will win.
“Knowing that Leeds United are pretty injury-hit ahead of this one, I’m tempted to back Sunderland to claim a win, especially at home,” Phelps told LeedsUnited.News. “The Black Cats have a perfect home record this season.
“They have already put away Burnley. And coming into it off the back of a very routine win over Derby County, in which Sunderland never really got out of second gear, a win against Leeds seems very doable.
“It’s arguably their biggest test of the season so far. But if this young squad can contain their emotions and play the game, not the occasion, I reckon it’ll be a home win. I’ll say 2-1 Sunderland.”
The Whites have struggled against their promotion rivals early this season. Daniel Farke and his team drew with West Bromwich Albion and then lost to Burnley.
A win against Sunderland on the road could boost the squad’s confidence and show they have what it takes to contend for the league title and secure automatic promotion to the Premier League next season.
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