Regis Le Bris will have bookmarked two Leeds United players ahead of Sunderland’s trip to Elland Road.
Sunderland are gearing up to face off against Leeds United at Elland Road, where Daniel Farke’s side have just suffered one defeat in the 2024/25 Championship campaign.
It will be a tough task for Regis Le Bris’ side, but a win could help Sunderland remain in 4th position, but move level on points with Scott Parker’s Burnley, and just four points off Leeds United in the second automatic promotion spot.
Because of the 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light in the reverse fixture, Sunderland will have a slim bit of confidence, going into the upcoming game with Enzo Le Fee in addition to the ranks that battled out for a point back in October.
Ahead of the game, there is one player that Sunderland should certainly be looking out for as a key threat that could harm them.
Sunderland must be wary of Dan James threat ahead of Leeds United test
Looking at the side that Leeds United boss Farke is likely to deploy, one man that could cause serious concerns for the Sunderland back line is Dan James, the speedy winger formerly of Manchester United and Swansea City, who has been immense in this current league campaign.
The Welshman has staggeringly notched 16 goal contributions (10 goals and six assists) in the league for Leeds United. Eight of these contributions have come in his last seven appearances, leading to Farke referring to him as ‘top class’, per The Mirror.
James is often deployed on the right flank, meaning that it will be a difficult challenge for Dennis Cirkin to quash his threat, and he may even need extra support from winger Le Fee, who may have to sacrifice an attacking starting position by doubling up on the Leeds man.
Despite this threat, Leeds United do have a weak point in their side, one which is obvious following the last clash between the two sides.
Regis Le Bris must instruct his side to test Ilian Meslier
The previous clash between the two clubs saw Leeds United look to seal all three points going into the dying embers, but a ‘horrible’ Ilian Meslier clanger saw the Frenchman let the ball slip through his fingers after a lightly-hit Alan Browne through ball.
Despite his shot-stopping ability, the Leeds United goalkeeper has been the source of mistakes previously, and Sunderland should certainly look to capitalise on that by looking to fire long shots at Meslier.
Le Fee in particular could be crucial, with the Sunderland man bagging an incredible goal from outside the box in a recent win against Luton Town. If he can find space to cut in from the left flank and let fly at Meslier, there is every chance that the goalkeeper may not be able to match the shot.