Leeds United fans in complete agreement on Sunderland clash with Dominic Calvert-Lewin certainty

Leeds United’s next Premier League games takes them to a Sunderland side sat bottom of the table after seven games played - but what do the club’s fans think? Here is what our YEP Jury have had to say including complete agreement on the predictions front and a Dominic Calvert-Lewin certainity.

NEIL GREWER

When the fixture list was announced, October looked a challenging month with Sunderland away perhaps an opportunity for a point.

The way the season has unfolded however I now see this as an opportunity for three points with one point being the expected minimum.

Sunderland are experiencing the 'difficult second season syndrome' exacerbated by competing in Europe – further proof that European competition, whilst great for supporters, is challenging for the club as a whole.

On Sunday, Sunderland will have several key players missing, through injury or suspension, and will have played in Poland on Thursday evening.

“One thing is certain – we must strive to keep him fit”

All these factors plus current form favours Leeds and I would expect Leeds to win the game.

Contrary to the Black Cats, Leeds have few injuries and a settled side with a strong bench.

Personally, I would like to see a little more rotation within the Leeds midfield with player selection perhaps reflecting the opposition’s strengths/weaknesses and more substitutions when players are not quite “on it” during a particular game.

One thing is certain – Dominic Calvert-Lewin is gold dust for us and we must strive to keep him fit.

Prediction: Sunderland 1 Leeds United 2.

KEITH INGHAM

Leeds United travel to the Stadium of Light on Sunday to face Sunderland, looking to build on an encouraging draw against Manchester United and hopefully get back to winning ways in the Premier League.

Daniel Farke’s side showed plenty of character in their 1-1 draw at Elland Road.

After falling behind to Bryan Mbeumo’s first-half goal, Leeds responded through Dominic Calvert-Lewin to earn a deserved point. The result offered further encouragement, with the Whites continuing to show the determination and organisation needed to compete at this level.

Sunderland, meanwhile, will be eager to bounce back after a disappointing 2-0 defeat away to Bournemouth.

Regis Le Bris will be looking for a response from his players, particularly in front of a home crowd that should create a ‘lively’ atmosphere.

The Black Cats will also have to cope without defender Kevin Danso following his dismissal.

Leeds will need to remain disciplined against a Sunderland side capable of causing problems going forward, with Brian Brobbey and Enzo Le Fée among the players to watch. But if the visitors can reproduce the energy and resilience they showed against Man United, they have every chance of taking something from the game.

Prediction: Sunderland 1 Leeds United 2.

‘If ever there was a time to play them, this is it’

DAVID WATKINS

After the almost impossible mission at Arsenal and the disappointment of not getting over the line with three points against our expensive rivals from over the Pennines, we get back to the sort of games where we can now almost expect to bag all the points; away games, admittedly, but surely both Sunderland and Bournemouth this season are beatable if we are to have a good season.

Sunderland had a phenomenal season last time out; they spent plenty of money, certainly, but they put together a side that surprised many and got themselves into Europe at the first time of asking.

Now they have the double problem of ‘second season’ syndrome, where the other sides have had time to work them out, and the pressures of rotating their playing staff to enable them to cope with two games a week almost every week.

They played on Thursday night in Poland in the Europa League and sit bottom of the Premier League with just one win this season, and if ever there was a time to play them, this is it.

I’ll be disappointed if we can’t win this one and show that we are a better side than most this season.

Prediction: Sunderland 0 Leeds United 2.

EVAN SEAMAN

This weekend Leeds United travel to the Stadium of Light when they take on Sunderland as they look to build on their good start to the season.

Last week, the Whites battled hard for a well-earned point against Manchester United which means they head into the next fixture in seventh place.

In terms of team news, Leeds will still be without Joe Rodon which means Nico Elvedi will remain in defence and Dan James is also a doubt.

Sunderland have quite a few absences to deal with as Romaine Mundle, Daniel Ballard, and Thomas Meunier are all injured and Kevin Danso is suspended after being sent off last weekend.

The picture isn't looking good for the Black Cats so far.

They currently sit bottom of the Premier League and seem to be struggling with the congested fixture list as they are also playing in the Europa League.

However, Sunderland should not be underestimated after having a fantastic campaign last year and a key player Leeds will have to watch is powerful striker Brian Brobbey who recently got a hat-trick against Manchester City.

Prediction: Sunderland 1 Leeds United 3.

‘Nevertheless, United should be looking to pick up all three points here’

MIKE GILL

A trip to Sunderland is always fun as long as you can banish thoughts of Ilan Meslier rehearsing for a future career as a juggler.

The Black Cats surprised everyone last season with their impressive results and were duly rewarded with a place in Europe.

Things haven’t gone quite so well for them this season and they currently languish in bottom place after losing to lowly Bournemouth last weekend.

Their single win was at home to Fulham on August 30.

This should be seen as a timely reminder to all of us that things never get any easier in the Premier League.

They also have several key players likely to be missing due to injuries and suspension so what could possibly go wrong?

The answer is ‘a lot’.

Nevertheless, United should be looking to pick up all three points here – away match or not!

An early goal would be really helpful as the home crowd soon get rattled when things are not going too well.

I’m backing Daniel Farke’s charges to take the handbrake off and go for it.

Prediction: Sunderland 0 Leeds United 2.