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Sunderland will welcome Leeds United to the Stadium of Light in the EFL Championship on Friday. The hosts have won six of their eight league games and are at the top of the table with 18 points. Leeds are not far behind with 15 points and are in fifth place.
The Black Cats suffered a 2-1 loss to Watford last weekend (28 September) but bounced back with a 2-0 home win over Derby County on Tuesday (1 October). Jobe Bellingham scored in the first half and Wilson Isidor doubled their lead in the 55th minute.
The visitors are unbeaten in their last three league outings and were held to a 1-1 draw by Norwich City on Tuesday. Largie Ramazani, assisted by Wilfried Gnonto, equalized in the second half after they had conceded from the penalty spot in the first half.
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Sunderland vs Leeds United Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two teams have squared off 95 times in all competitions. They have contested these meetings closely, with Leeds having a narrow 40-35 lead in wins and 20 games ending in draws.
- The hosts are unbeaten in their last three meetings against the visitors, with two games ending in draws.
- The two teams met in the Championship last season. The Black Cats registered a home win while the reverse fixture ended in a draw. They kept clean sheets in both games.
- Sunderland have enjoyed a 100% home record at home in the Championship this season, scoring eight goals without a reply in four games.
- Leeds United are unbeaten in their four away games in the Championship this season, recording two wins while keeping three clean sheets.
- The last six meetings between the two teams have produced under 2.5 goals, with the visitors recording just one win. The hosts have kept four clean sheets in these games.
Sunderland vs Leeds United Prediction
The Black Cats have seen conclusive results in eight league games this term, with six wins and two losses. They have two losses and two wins apiece in their last four outings. They have a 100% home record in the league this season while keeping clean sheets and have won three of their last four home meetings against the visitors.
Ian Poveda was injured earlier this week and will miss this match. Dan Ballard and Eliezer Mayenda will only be available after the international break.
The Whites are unbeaten in their last three league outings and saw their winning streak ended earlier this week with a draw against Norwich. They have an unbeaten away record this term and will look to build on that form. Interestingly, they are winless in their last three meetings against the hosts, failing to score in the last two.
Ilia Gruev was injured against Norwich and is not an option for the trip to Sunderland. Manor Solomon, Max Wober, Dan James, and Ethan Ampadu remain sidelined with injuries.
The two teams play for the third time in a week, so fatigue will be a factor. With that in mind and considering their recent history, a low-scoring draw will likely ensue.
Prediction: Sunderland 1-1 Leeds United
Sunderland vs Leeds United Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Draw
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Under 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least one goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
Tip 4: Wilfried Gnonto to score or assist any time - Yes
