Sunderland v Leeds

Sunderland vs Leeds Preview

Sunderland returned to the Stadium of Light during the week where they registered a solid 2-0 home win against Derby County following a previous 2-1 loss away from home at Watford, while Leeds United picked up a useful point on the road with a 1-1 draw at Norwich City in the midweek action in the Championship.

Sunderland currently occupy top spot in the Championship table having picked up six wins within their opening eight league games of this new second tier season and although the Black Cats suffered losses to the likes of Plymouth Argyle and Watford, both of which were away from home, the north-east club have managed to turn potential draws into three-pointers.

Four of Sunderland's six victories to date this season have been achieved on home soil at their Stadium of Light where the hosts have recorded important wins against Sheffield Wednesday, Burnley, Middlesbrough and Derby County respectively, but Regis Le Bris' side are likely to face their toughest test yet at home on Friday night when Leeds United visit.

Nevertheless, this impressive start to the season though will have Sunderland dreaming of at least a play-off spot this term and results so far are in stark contrast to the end of the previous Championship campaign when Sunderland lost their final three league games on the trot.

Leeds United occupy fifth place in the Championship standings and the Yorkshire club have been dealt just the single win so far this season as the visitors look to lift themselves out of the second tier and achieve a return to the Premier League.

A 1-0 loss at home to Burnley has been Leeds United's only blot on an otherwise consistent copybook as the Yorkshire club have collected four wins and three draws which has lifted Daniel Farke's side up into early contention for a possible top six finish once again this term.

Points picked up in draws with Portsmouth, West Brom and Norwich City have been further boosted by gaining important victories over the likes of Sheffield Wednesday, Hull City, Cardiff City and Coventry City respectively, and the visitors will also be in confident mood as they prepare for this upcoming trip to the Stadium of Light on Friday night.

The bigger picture shows Leeds United have slipped to just two defeats within their previous 11 games overall in the Championship, both of which were on home soil at Elland Road, while losing just twice in their last 15 outings on the road as well.

Sunderland v Leeds United Verdict

This upcoming top five clash is therefore expected to be a tightly fought affair and goals may be in short supply as eight of Sunderland's last 10 home games have resulted in Under 2.5 goals, while six of Leeds United's last 10 away games have produced two goals or less.

Therefore, our main bet will be Under 2.5 goals @ 1.80

Other side bets worth considering:

Draw @ 3.25

Correct Score: 1-1 @ 6.00