Leeds United aim for Premier League first against 'annoying' Sunderland after Newcastle United failure

Leeds United will meet a familiar foe on Sunday afternoon as they visit former Championship promotion rivals Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Just 12 months ago, both sides were firmly in the race for promotion into the Premier League and both would go on to secure their place in the top flight. For Leeds, that mean claiming the Championship title on a dramatic final day of the season as they saw off the challenge of eventual runners-up Burnley thanks to Manor Solomon’s last-gasp winner in a victory at already relegated Plymouth Argyle.

Sunderland’s path to the Premier League was arguably even more dramatic as Regis Le Bris’ side battled their way through a play-off semi-final against Coventry City before a late strike from academy graduate Tommy Watson landed a Wembley win against Sheffield United and ensured the Black Cats’ lengthy absence from the top flight was finally brought to an end.

The momentum gained from their win under the arch and a highly ambitious summer transfer window that brought deals for the likes of former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka and highly-rated Dutch goalkeeper Robin Roefs has spilled into this season. As it stands, Sunderland are sitting in the top six and remain just two points adrift of the Champions League spots. Their stunning return to the Premier League has been given solid foundations on their home patch with Le Bris’ men winning five and drawing three of their eight fixtures at the Stadium of Light. That run has includes an eventful draw with leaders and title favourites Arsenal and a narrow victory against Wear-Tyne rivals Newcastle United as a Nick Woltemade own goal gave the Black Cats all three points.

That means Leeds, who have been solid rather than spectacular upon their own return to the top tier, will face a sizeable challenge in the North East this weekend as they face a Sunderland side that have been described as ‘annoying’.

What has been said ahead of Sunderland v Leeds United?

Speaking on the Inside Elland Road podcast, co-host Chris O’Connor said: “It's getting everything out of the squad. We were told the research led approach they took in the summer, in terms of surviving and how best to do it. We really are seeing the fruits of that now and I love it. I love seeing, mentally, and kind of the body language of the other teams, really starting to wilt at points when you're thinking, another corner, another set-piece.

“It's really enjoyable as a fan and it's so nice to see kind of this effective style of football bear fruit. It's almost annoying in terms of the fact Sunderland are doing so well. It takes a little bit of the edge of how well Leeds are doing because in contrast to the previous seasons to Premier League, Leeds are doing amazing but it just so happens Sunderland are doing unbelievable at the moment.”

The YEP’s chief football writer Graham Smyth replied: “But comparison is the thief of joy. You can't, not at Christmas time, don't compare yourself to someone else. If you're opening a brand new teapot on Christmas, but you know that your best friend is opening a PlayStation 5, be happy with your teapot. It's a lovely teapot.”

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