Sunday has set the stage for a highly anticipated clash between Leeds United and Sunderland. Both teams were the only promoted sides that stayed up last year.
And not only did they survive relegation, but they did it in style. Sunderland finished in the top half, while Leeds sat comfortably in 14th place.
The two clubs broke the status quo by doing smart recruitment, bringing in quality instead of stocking the team with players from the championship.
Last season, Regis Le Bris’ side took the bragging rights with a win and a draw against the Whites. They nicked a draw at the Stadium of Light and then in the reverse fixture, they got a win in controversial fashion following a dubious penalty given against Ethan Ampadu.
Sunderland team news emerges ahead of Leeds United clash on Sunday
Brian Brobbey
Credit: Imago
Sunderland have lost their last four Premier League games and the poor form is affecting the team. Regis Le Bris and his players have spoken out on this in the last couple of days.
It seems like the Black Cats are better performers in Europe than in England; four points from seven games is just poor.
But Le Bris is adamant that anything is possible and that Sunderland can get something from Sunday’s game.
Early team news for the Black Cats; Kevin Danso is suspended following his red card last weekend. Romaine Mundle is out after undergoing knee surgery, Sunderland will be without Dan Ballard who has a hamstring injury.
Thomas Meunier is a doubt for Sunday’s game alongside Wilson Isidor. Both returned to training following recent injuries and will be racing against time to make the matchday squad.
On the bright side for the home team, Brian Brobbey is available; Sunderland have bee without their star striker since he got injured in the international break.
READ MORE: Regis Le Bris makes honest admission ahead of Leeds clash: “anything is possible…”
Whites also battling with injury problems
In Friday’s press conference, Daniel Farke said that Leeds could be without Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Anton Stach and Noah Okafor. Three of the club’s key performers.
None have been ruled out aside Joe Rodon, but the trio are doubts.
Luckily, the team will have one day to assess if their key players are fit enough to see the pitch on Sunday.
Farke will hope to have all his best players available in the squad, in what is no doubt a very tough game at the Stadium of Light. They cannot underestimate Sunderland even with their poor run of form.
Fans will remember Leeds were tipped as favourites against Man United only to come out with a draw.
