Sunderland will host Leeds United in a top-of-the-table EFL Championship clash on Friday night.
Sunderland, currently leading the table, are aiming to extend their strong home form, having won their last four home games without conceding a single goal. Their latest win, a 2-0 victory over Derby County, highlighted their all-around team contribution, with goals coming from different players, including Jobe Bellingham and Wilson Isidor.
Leeds United, sitting fourth, need a two-goal victory to leapfrog Sunderland. While they’ve only lost once this season, they’ve had three draws, slowing their rise up the table. Joel Piroe leads Leeds' attack with three goals, and Daniel Farke’s side will look to build on their recent 1-1 draw against Norwich City.
With both teams hungry for victory, this match could be pivotal in shaping the Championship race.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Sunderland vs. Leeds live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this EFL Championship match in UK:
TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, Sky Ultra HD
Live stream: Sky Go UK, NOW, SKY GO Extra
This game is available for live TV broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, Sky Ultra HD. Streaming options are available on Sky Go UK, NOW and SKY GO Extra.
What time does Sunderland vs. Leeds kick off in UK?
This EFL clash takes place at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, England and kicks off on Friday, October 4 at 8:00 p.m. local time.
Sunderland vs. Leeds predicted lineups, team news
Sunderland manager Alex Le Bris is set to maintain his starting lineup for the upcoming EFL Championship match against Leeds United. Alan Browne and Ian Poveda were both introduced late in the previous match against Derby County, but Poveda's appearance was cut short due to a muscle injury. Consequently, the winger will be unavailable for the Leeds fixture.
Browne, however, could be considered as an option if Le Bris requires additional attacking firepower. The midfielder has impressed since joining Sunderland and could provide a valuable asset to the team.
Sunderland predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Patterson (GK) — Hume, Mepham, O'Nien, Cirkin—Rigg, Neil, Bellingham— Roberts, Isidor, Mundle.
Injured: Ian Poveda
Suspended: None
Leeds United will be facing Sunderland with a depleted midfield. Ilia Gruev suffered a knee injury during their recent match against Norwich City, adding to their injury woes. Ethan Ampadu remains sidelined until next year, leaving Joe Rothwell poised to make his first Championship start of the season.
In the final third, Leeds has options to consider. Piroe and Patrick Bamford could be deployed if Mateo Joseph, who has been goalless in his last four appearances, is dropped from the starting lineup.
Leeds predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Meslier (GK) — Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Firpo— Tanaka, Rothwell— Gnonto, Aaronson, Ramazani— Joseph.
Injured: Ilia Gruev, Ethan Ampadu
Suspended: None
Sunderland vs. Leeds Prediction
Both teams have been in inconsistent form, and the quick turnaround between matches could lead to some rotation in the starting lineups.
Given the recent performances and the potential for changes, a low-scoring draw appears to be the most likely outcome. Both teams have shown defensive solidity, and goals may be hard to come by.
- Prediction: Sunderland 1-1 Leeds United
EFL fixture schedule this week
All times ET
Tuesday, October 1
- Burnley vs. Plymouth (2:45 p.m.)
- Cardiff vs. Millwall (2:45 p.m.)
- Coventry vs. Blackburn (2:45 p.m.)
- Luton vs. Oxford United (2:45 p.m.)
- Norwich vs. Leeds (2:45 p.m.)
- QPR vs. Hull City (2:45 p.m.)
- Sunderland vs. Derby (2:45 p.m.)
- West Brom vs. Middlesbrough (3:00 p.m.)
Wednesday, October 2
- Preston vs. Watford (2:45 p.m.)
- Sheffield United vs. Swansea (2:45 p.m.)
- Stoke vs. Portsmouth (2:45 p.m.)
- Bristol City vs. Sheffield Wednesday (3:00 p.m.)
Friday, October 4
- Sunderland vs. Leeds (3:00 p.m.)
Saturday, October 5
- Burnley vs. Preston (7:30 a.m.)
- Norwich vs. Hull City (7:30 a.m.)
- Portsmouth vs. Oxford United (7:30 a.m.)
- Coventry vs. Sheffield Wednesday (10:00 a.m.)
- Derby vs. QPR (10:00 a.m.)
- Plymouth vs. Blackburn (10:00 a.m.)
- Sheffield United vs. Luton (10:00 a.m.)
- Swansea vs. Stoke (10:00 a.m.)
- Watford vs. Middlesbrough (10:00 a.m.)
- West Brom vs. Millwall (10:00 a.m.)
Sunday, October 6
- Bristol City vs. Cardiff (10:00 a.m.)
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