Sunderland play their final game of 2025 by hosting Leeds United at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon.
The two sides are battling at opposite ends of the table, with the hosts sitting comfortably in sixth place on 27 points after a goalless draw with Brighton, while Leeds occupy 16th with 19 points following a morale-boosting 4-1 win over Crystal Palace. Now, Régis Le Bris’ side aim to maintain their status as one of only two Premier League teams yet to lose at home this season.
They face a Leeds side that has found a new lease of life under Daniel Farke, moving six points clear of the relegation zone during a prolific December. Crucially, both teams are missing significant personnel due to injuries and international commitments, making this final clash of the year a test of squad depth.
Sunderland vs Leeds United – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Sunday, 28 December 2025
- Kick-off: 14:00 GMT
- Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland
- Referee: Tony Harrington
- VAR: Matt Donohue
- Last Meeting: Leeds 2-1 Sunderland, 17 February 2025, Championship
Team News
Sunderland
Régis Le Bris faces a significant selection headache due to the Africa Cup of Nations. Key players Arthur Masuaku, Reinildo Mandava, Noah Sadiki, Chemsdine Talbi, and Bertrand Traoré are all unavailable. In their absence, Simon Adingra—who missed out on the Ivory Coast squad—is expected to start in attack, potentially alongside Brian Brobbey. Granit Xhaka will anchor the midfield, likely partnered by defender Lutsharel Geertruida, who has been utilised in a central role recently. The backline could see Daniel Ballard and Omar Alderete pair up in central defence.
Leeds United
Daniel Farke has a shorter injury list but remains without Sean Longstaff and Daniel James, who are not yet ready to return. Furthermore, there is a small chance Lukas Nmecha could feature in the squad if he progresses well in training. Farke is expected to stick with the attacking duo of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor, who impressed in the win over Palace. Ethan Ampadu is set to lead the midfield alongside Anton Stach and Brenden Aaronson.
Form
Sunderland
Sunderland have been a force at home this season, remaining unbeaten at the Stadium of Light with five wins and three draws. However, they have recently struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, possessing the lowest expected goals (xG) from open play in the division (7.6) and remaining the only team yet to record a match with 1+ open play xG this season. Despite this creative void, their defensive solidity has kept them firmly in the hunt for European qualification as they sit in sixth place.
Leeds United
Leeds are currently enjoying a significant resurgence, remaining unbeaten in their last four matches (W2 D2). During this run, they have found their scoring touch, netting at least three goals in three of those four games. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been the standout performer, scoring six goals in his last five league appearances. If he scores today, he will become the first Leeds player since 1960 to score in six consecutive top-flight matches.
Predicted Lineups
Sunderland predicted XI: Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Hume; Xhaka, Geertruida; Rigg, Le Fée, Adingra; Brobbey
Leeds United predicted XI: Perri; Rodon, Bijol, Struijk; Bogle, Aaronson, Ampadu, Stach, Guðmundsson; Calvert-Lewin, Okafor
How to watch Sunderland vs Leeds United?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 13:00 GMT.
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