Sunderland have been given an optimistic prediction ahead of their Leeds United clash by one EFL analyst.
The Black Cats will travel to Elland Road this evening to face off against an in-form Leeds United side.
With five wins in their previous six league matches, there is very little that can stop a full-strength Daniel Farke side striding into gear, and Sunderland will need to be on top form to handle the huge task.
However, Sunderland can hang onto the fact that they came away with a point in the reverse fixtures when Regis Le Bris’ side were gifted a goal in the dying embers, courtesy of Leeds United goalkeeper Ilian Meslier, who let a dimly-hit Alan Browne through ball slip through his fingers and into a vacant net.
It will be quite a remarkable showing from Sunderland if they were to come away with a win this evening, and one EFL analyst believes they have what it takes, as well as the ability to potentially go another step further.
Sunderland handed positive Leeds United and promotion prediction
Ahead of this evening’s clash, Sunderland will be going into the game as outsiders, partly down to Leeds United’s brilliant record at Elland Road, which has seen them lose just once at home in the league.
Just like the feat that Burnley pulled off earlier on this season, Sunderland have been backed to also notch a win on their travels against Leeds United.
Gabriel Sutton gave his predictions on the game, as well as his thoughts on the ongoing Championship promotion race, to which, per The Sportsman on YouTube, he said: “My top two [for promotion] are Sunderland and Leeds. I think Sunderland are going to go to Elland Road and win, that’s my prediction, that’s my wild shout.
“I think that once Sunderland gets Romaine Mundle and/or Tommy Watson back fit, I think they’re going to find another gear.
“For me, I’m sticking with Sunderland to win the league but I think Leeds also finish in the top two. I think it’s really important moving Le Fee into that centre-attacking midfield spot.”
Key Black Cats man could be the difference maker away at Leeds United
Sunderland nicked a point last time out against Leeds United, which was a more-than-respectable result to get against a guaranteed promotion contender. But they have one man who could give them the boost to one-up that score, and that is Enzo Le Fee.
The Frenchman put in an impeccable display last time out against Luton Town, bagging a brilliant goal after he cut onto his favourable right foot, and there is no reason as to why he couldn’t repeat that feat against Leeds United and Jayden Bogle, the Whites’ full-back.
If the Sunderland winger can afford enough coverage on the ball, he could prove to be the difference maker for Le Bris’ side and offer that glimmer of individual quality that can swing the game in their favour.