Sunderland play against Leeds United in the Championship on Friday, in an exciting top six clash.
Going into this one, Sunderland sit in 1st place of the Championship table, compared to Leeds United in 5th place.
It’s an exciting clash between two of this season’s promotion hopefuls. But it’s Sunderland who take the best form into the next round of fixtures.
Regis Le Bris watched his side ease past Derby County in midweek, claiming a 2-0 win courtesy of goals from Jobe Bellingham and Wilson Isidor.
Daniel Farke’s Leeds drew with Norwich City at Carrow Road in midweek, with a win on Friday able to bring them level on points with the Black Cats.
Sunderland team and injury news vs Leeds United
As ever, it seems, Sunderland have a few injury concerns, with Ian Poveda being one of them.
The former Leeds United man has made three substitute appearances in the Championship this season, featuring against Derby in midweek.
But the 24-year-old was forced off shortly after coming off the bench, with the latest reports revealing that Poveda is out for up to six weeks.
Elsewhere, deadline day signings Salis Abdul Samed and Ahmed Abdullahi appear to be working towards fitness, whilst Dan Ballard and Eliezer Mayenda are reportedly injured; Ballard though has been named in the Northern Ireland squad for this month’s fixtures.
Aji Alese, Jeson Seelt and Niall Huggins remain longer-term injuries, whilst Aaron Connolly is tipped to feature after the international break this month.
Sunderland predicted XI to face Leeds United
With a few key injuries, Le Bris’ side may pick itself going into this weekend, especially following what was an assured performance vs Derby County in midweek.
Expect Chris Mepham to keep his spot in the XI with Ballard looking like a doubt, and expect Dan Neil to keep his spot too.
Neil faced criticism following the Watford defeat last weekend. But Phil Smith hailed Neil’s performance against Derby, with Le Bris showing faith in the captain.
The front-line also looks set to remain unchanged; Patrick Roberts and Romaine Mundle on the wings, with Wilson Isidor up front.
Here’s how we think Sunderland will line up against Leeds United on Friday…
Patterson (GK)
Cirkin
O’Nien
Mepham
Hume
Neil
Rigg
Mundle
Bellingham
Roberts
Isidor