Sunderland head to Elland Road on Monday night for a crunch match against league leaders Leeds United. It promises to be the Black Cats’ toughest assignment so far.
Sunderland have certainly enjoyed a strong season to date. But a trip to Elland Road on Monday night, to face a rampant Leeds United side, is really going to put Regis Le Bris’ players to the sword.
Leeds are unbeaten in their last 14 league matches and thumped Watford 4-0 in their last outing, just a week after Sunderland struggled against Watford, drawing 2-2 in the game at the Stadium of Light.
But Le Bris watched on as his side returned to winning ways last time out, beating Luton Town 2-0 in a win that puts them in better stead ahead of Monday night’s crunch match.
Right now, Sunderland sit in 4th place of the Championship table compared to Leeds in 1st. Seven points separate the two teams right now and so a win for the Black Cats would really open up the promotion picture in the second tier.
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What Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has said about Sunderland
Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Farke was asked about Sunderland and the threat they pose his Leeds side. And Farke was full of praise for both Sunderland and Le Bris, and for the Black Cats’ attacking threat.
Farke said: “Regis is an experienced manager and has proved this in his career. Sunderland have experienced players at this level who could lead the group. The offensive players are shining. They are one of the best sides in this league.”
Earlier in the season, Sunderland drew 2-2 with Leeds United on Wearside. Leeds were 2-1 up with minutes to play before a howler from Illan Meslier in goal for Leeds shared the points on the night.
Farke added: “We should have won the last game against them as we dominated many periods. We have to be concentrated.”
Championship expert shares worrying Leeds United vs Sunderland score prediction
Speaking ahead of Monday, Championship expert Sam Parkin shared his Leeds United and Sunderland score prediction. And like many other neutrals are probably thinking too, Parkin has predicted a Leeds win.
He said: “I can see Leeds flying at them, maybe getting two goals in front, and possibly Sunderland getting one back and making it a grandstand finish.”
Sunderland though have proved formidable against the league’s better sides this season. They’ve already drawn with Leeds and they beat Sheffield United on New Year’s Day. The Black Cats have also taken four points off Burnley.
Now with Enzo Le Fee in the side and the likes of Wilson Isidor really firing on all cylinders, Sunderland may surprise a few people at Elland Road on Monday night.