Leeds United head to Sunderland on Sunday afternoon for their final game of an incredible 2025. Daniel Farke’s side came through a Championship promotion race wobble to claim 100 points on their way to promotion and the title, with their Premier League return going pretty well so far.
The Whites were briefly in the relegation zone but a four-game unbeaten run has yielded eight points, enough to open up a six-point gap on West Ham in 18th which they enjoyed on Christmas Day. Farke’s side have been overshadowed a little by their weekend hosts, however, with Sunderland flying high in sixth.
Having beat Crystal Palace 4-1 last weekend, Leeds head to the Stadium of Light full of confidence and with it all to play for. Below is the YEP’s attempt to predict how Farke will line up against a Black Cats side he beat in dramatic fashion back in February.
1. Predicted Leeds United XI vs Sunderland
Let's see how Daniel Farke could line his Leeds United side up on Sunday. | Getty Images
2. GK: Lucas Perri
Was rarely tested against Crystal Palace but for the penalty he conceded. Has made a string of decent saves in recent weeks but kicking still mixed. | Getty Images
3. CB: Joe Rodon
Played a really interesting tactical role last weekend, moving between centre-back, right-back and right-wing - and nailed it too. Seems to just be getting better with more Premier League experience. | Stu Forster/Getty Images
4. CB: Jaka Bijol
Two assists against Palace and another dominant defensive performance up against Jean-Philippe Mateta. Proving to be an excellent summer signing after a slower start. | Getty Images
5. CB: Pascal Struijk
Completely nullified Mateta alongside Bijol and has been excellent recently, both defensively and when pushing into midfield. Will have fond memories of facing Sunderland and scoring twice off the bench back in February. | Getty Images
6. RWB: Jayden Bogle
Was really advanced against Palace with Rodon drifting out wide behind him. Might have to defend a little more at Sunderland but has shown he's more than comfortable with that side of the game too. | Michael Regan/Getty Images Photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images