Sunderland host Leeds at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon for a Premier League fixture, with both clubs looking to build upon their top-flight survival from the previous campaign. Last season, these two traditional English clubs breathed new life into the domestic football pyramid by comfortably avoiding relegation following their returns to the top division.
Leeds have started the 2026-27 campaign in a similarly steady vein, while Sunderland have faced an early struggle domestically, slipping to the bottom of the table with four points from their opening seven matches. The club’s European commitments, specifically a strong start in the Europa League, have provided a distraction, while a challenging early fixture list that included matches against three of the league’s top sides has contributed to their slow domestic start. Despite these early hurdles, neither side is taking anything for granted in what marks only the third Premier League meeting between the two clubs since 2002.
Sunderland have lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Roefs in goal, supported by a back four of Hume, Mukiele, O’Nien, and Mandava. Xhaka and Sadiki occupy the central midfield roles, while Nilson Angulo, Rigg, and Le Fee form the attacking midfield trio behind lone forward Brobbey. The Sunderland substitutes bench features Ellborg, Methalie, Talbi, Alderete, Diarra, Ahoka, Fofana, Juan Angulo, and Tutierov.
Leeds manager has deployed a 3-4-2-1 tactical setup, selecting Trafford as goalkeeper behind a three-man central defense of Justin, Bijol, and Muharemovic. Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, and Gudmundsson make up the four-man midfield, with Wilson and Aaronson positioned behind central striker Calvert-Lewin. The Leeds substitutes bench includes Zetterer, Longstaff, Nmecha, Stach, Okafor, Bahoya, Bard, Gruev, and Cresswell. Stuart Attwell serves as the referee for the fixture.
