Chris Sutton has made it clear what he expects from Leeds United when they face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
Leeds are seventh in the Premier League table and have lost just one of their last seven league games. They are the favourites ahead of their trip to the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland are at the other end of the spectrum, languishing 19th in the league table after losing their last four Premier League games.
They drew 1-1 against Lech Poznan on Thursday night, but Leeds are still considered the favourites to get a positive result from their trip to Wearside on Sunday.
Read More: Regis Le Bris fires ominous warning at Leeds as Sunderland showdown looms
Chris Sutton drops his Sunderland vs Leeds prediction
The former Celtic striker has admitted he cannot predict Sunderland this season, but said playing in Europe has stretched their squad, which is showing in their results.
“Sunderland have killed me this season because I just don’t seem to be able to predict them at all”, he said on the BBC.
“The Black Cats are bottom of the table after losing four league games in a row, and their boss Regis Le Bris has a few problems to solve.
“One of them is having European football that stretches their squad – they are away in Poland on Thursday – but at least they will have striker Brian Brobbey back from injury at the weekend.”
He also added that Nordi Mukiele’s post-match comments were unnecessary last weekend, as they further erode confidence in the dressing room.
“After last weekend’s loss at Bournemouth, Sunderland defender Nordi Mukiele suggested the Black Cats may have become “arrogant”, but I don’t see that outburst being as damaging as the ones by Manchester United players recently.
“Still, things like that are better kept inside the dressing room because some of Mukiele’s teammates will be asking him if he was calling them arrogant.
“I was never arrogant as a player, by the way, but people used to call me far worse than that in my day.”
Sutton doesn’t expect Sunderland to beat Leeds at home on Sunday and feels, at worst, the Whites will walk away with a point.
He predicted a 1-1 draw.
“Maybe we will see a reaction from Sunderland here, but I still don’t see them winning this because Leeds are battle-hardened and are a good team too.
“They weren’t at their best against Manchester United but still picked up a point, and they won’t be leaving the Stadium of Light empty-handed.”
Read More: Leeds handed ominous Sunderland warning as Le Bris reveals game-changing plan
Leeds should get all three points on Sunday
Leeds United must make the most of Sunderland’s alarming dip in form and target all three points at the Stadium of Light on Sunday. Regis Le Bris’ side have lost their last four Premier League games, and Daniel Farke cannot afford to let this opportunity slip away.
Sunderland may have shown signs of life with their midweek draw against Lech Poznan, but their domestic struggles remain a concern. They will also be without suspended Kevin Danso, while Daniel Ballard’s injury raises further questions about their defensive options.
Leeds need to be ruthless. Away wins are precious in the Premier League, especially against teams around them, and this fixture could define their season. Respect Sunderland, but do not fear them. Farke’s men must go there believing they can win, and then deliver on the pitch.
