When the fixture list came out, even the most optimistic Sunderland supporter would have struggled to envisage Regis Le Bris’ side being ahead of Daniel Farke’s when Leeds United arrived on Wearside on October 4th.
But as Sunderland defeated Derby County thanks to a Jobe Bellingham stunner and a second goal in two games from Wilson Isidor in midweek, the Black Cats extended their lead over last season’s play-off finalists to three points.
Leeds United were held to a 1-1 draw by Norwich City on Tuesday.
And while Farke’s promotion favourites can draw level on points with surprise packages Sunderland with a win at the Stadium of Light, the Leeds boss accepts that his backline will be in for a busy evening up against a attack which has contributed the most goals in the division so far.
No team has more goals in 2024/25 than Sunderland’s 16.
The fact their top scorer Romaine Mundle has just three, meanwhile, is testament to an attack which – lacking a prolific number nine – has learned the share the goalscoring duties.
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke hails Sunderland attack
Le Bris was full of praise for Sunderland loanee Isidor after he sealed the three points against Derby. The Frenchman – who worked with the Zenit St Petersburg loanee at Rennes – feels that his best is still to come.
Patrick Roberts and Eliezer Mayenda have started the season strongly too, while Sunderland boast an ‘amazing’ midfield of Bellingham, Chris Rigg and Dan Neil which is also capable of posing a threat in the final third.
“They have done really well so far,” Farke said during his pre-match press conference.
“We know it’s pretty much the warm-up for the Championship because there are so many games are following, but it’s still pretty important [to get wins early] because every game counts.
“Even in the early stages, you have to win as many points as possible and they have done that. They are in really good shape. They have good players and they are strong on the counter attack. In all their offensive positions, they have players who can score goals.
“They are a really dangerous side. I am respectful of their work but we also know that we are in good shape. We have to be at our best to give ourselves a chance.”
Farke rules out a few Leeds players for Stadium of Light trip
Sunderland enjoyed a promising start to 2023/24 as well before falling off a cliff in the final few months. The challenge facing Le Bris now is to instil some consistency into a youthful squad, with Mayenda, Mundle, Rigg, Neil and Bellingham all aged 21 and under.
Farke, meanwhile, confirms that Leeds will likely be without Ilya Gruev and Manor Solomon on Friday. Ethan Ampadu is also missing for the foreseeable future.
Sunderland’s Ian Poveda will not face former employers Leeds, with Le Bris confirming that the winger is facing a few weeks on the sidelines.
“When you don’t have all the key players available, it is about unity and sticking together,” Farke says.
“Nobody else is ruled out from the game [against Norwich]. Isaac Schmidt looks a bit better so we will try tomorrow in our last training session, we will try with him tomorrow.
“Manor Solomon is progressing. We had hoped he would train [on Wednesday], but that wasn’t possible. So it’s unlikely for the game Friday. We will have to go with what we have got.”