Leeds travel to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland on Sunday looking to continue their strong form under Daniel Farke.
The West Yorkshire side arrive in the North East in 16th place in the Premier League table with 19 points, but recent results suggest they are finally turning a corner.
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Leeds United beat Crystal Palace 4-1 in their last game and have scored at least three goals in three of their four games.
The campaign takes pressure off Falke, who had been under scrutiny earlier this month.
However, Leeds’ struggles at Elland Road remain a cause for concern ahead of a tricky test against one of the most resilient home sides in the division.
Game preview
Sunderland’s impressive return to the top flight relied on defensive organization, particularly at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats remain unbeaten at home this season and have conceded only 17 goals in the league, the second highest total after Arsenal and Manchester City.
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Leeds will need to remain patient and calm if they want to leave Wearside with a result.
Despite their inconsistent away form, the Whites’ attacking confidence has improved in recent weeks, with Farke’s side playing more freely in the final third.
Match statistics
Leeds have taken eight points from their last four Premier League games, their strongest showing of the season so far.
They have scored 10 goals in these games, equaling their tally in the previous eight games combined.
However, away form remains a major issue, with the Whites losing six of their last seven league games.
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Encouragingly, Leeds remain unbeaten in their past three games against Sunderland in all competitions, including a 2-1 win in the Championship in February 2025.
This game has a long history, and Sunday’s game will be the 92nd meeting between the two sides.
Leeds United hold the overall advantage with 40 wins compared to Sunderland’s 33, while 18 games ended in draws.
A home win would close the gap, but recent history favors the visitors, who have lost just one of their past six games.
The most recent Premier League clash dates back to December 2002, when Leeds won 2-1 at the Stadium of Light.
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In the top flight, victory against Sunderland would come naturally for the Whites, who have won eight of 10 Premier League meetings with the Black Cats.
Team News
Leeds United star Daniel James remains sidelined with a thigh injury and is not expected to return until the end of January, leaving Farke without pace and directness out wide.
Lukas Nmecha is unavailable but the 27-year-old’s chances of being available are “very small”. Falke may not take any chances. Midfielder Sean Longstaff, meanwhile, continues to be sidelined.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor were expected to retain their forward spots after their impressive performances against Crystal Palace.
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Calvert-Lewin, in particular, is in red hot form, scoring six goals in his last five league games and leading the way with authority.
In midfield, Ethan Ampadu should form a trio alongside Anton Stach and Brenden Aaronson, providing a combination of control, energy and pressure.
In defence, Joe Rodon, Jaka Bjorn and Pascal Struijk are likely to remain in the back three, with Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson providing width at full-back.
Leeds United predicted lineup (3-5-2)
Lucas Perry; Joe Rodon, Jaka Bjorn, Pascal Strucker; Jaden Bogle, Brenden Aaronson, Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach, Gabriel Gudmundson; Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor.
