Sunderland vs Leeds United Picks and Predictions for Sunday, October 25, 2026
Sunderland are still trying to turn their season around, and Sunday's opponents have been much harder to beat. The Black Cats host Leeds United at the Stadium of Light, with kickoff at 12:30 pm ET on USA Network. Sunderland sit 20th in the Premier League with a 1-1-5 record and four points. They lost 2-0 to Bournemouth last weekend before drawing 1-1 with Lech Poznan in the Europa League on Thursday. Leeds are seventh at 2-4-1 with 10 points after drawing 1-1 with Manchester United. Leeds are +140 on the moneyline, Sunderland +210, and the draw +225. Build your bankroll using our free soccer picks.
Sunderland Are Having Trouble Scoring
Sunderland have lost four straight Premier League matches, and the goals have been hard to come by. The Black Cats lost 2-0 to Arsenal, conceded five against Manchester City, then suffered consecutive 2-0 defeats against Brighton and Bournemouth. European competition has brought better results, including a 2-1 win over Torino and Thursday's draw with Lech Poznan. Still, the Premier League numbers are concerning. Sunderland have scored only six goals through seven matches while conceding 14. They're averaging 0.86 goals per league game, leaving little room for mistakes defensively.
Brian Brobbey has scored three times in five league appearances, accounting for half of Sunderland's goals. Enzo Le FÊe and Nicolas Angulo have one apiece, while Le FÊe has also created 11 chances. Sunderland average 1.55 expected goals per game but have converted far fewer opportunities. The defensive numbers aren't any better, with 2.02 expected goals conceded per contest. The Black Cats have managed only one clean sheet, and their goalkeepers have a 46% save percentage. Sunderland need more from Brobbey and their other forwards to change those results.
Injuries: Romaine Mundle, Daniel Ballard and Thomas Meunier are unavailable. Wilson Isidor is doubtful.
Leeds United Have Been Difficult to Beat
Leeds haven't been winning every week, but they've collected points regularly. The visitors have lost just once in seven Premier League matches, with that defeat coming 2-1 against Arsenal. Leeds also beat Newcastle 4-1, drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace and held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw last weekend. Dominic Calvert-Lewin's equalizer against United earned another point for a side that has been comfortable playing close games. Leeds have scored nine league goals and conceded six, giving them a much stronger defensive record than Sunderland.
Calvert-Lewin leads Leeds with three league goals, while Jayden Bogle has scored twice. Evanilson isn't involved here, but Anton Stach has been important in creating opportunities, producing 10 chances through the opening weeks. Tarik Muharemovic leads the team with two assists. Leeds average 1.44 expected goals and allow 1.29 expected goals per match. They've also kept two clean sheets, with their goalkeepers recording an 81% save percentage. That's a significant difference from Sunderland's numbers. Leeds don't always create plenty of scoring opportunities, but they've generally done enough to stay competitive.
Injuries: Mateo Joseph and Joe Rodon are unavailable. Daniel James is doubtful with a back problem.
Key To The Game
Sunderland have failed to score in their last two league matches, while Leeds have conceded only six goals all season. The visitors need Calvert-Lewin involved near the penalty area. Sunderland need Brobbey to make more of his opportunities.
Sunderland vs Leeds United Game Pick
- Leeds United -0.5
Sunderland have lost four consecutive league games, failing to score in three of those defeats. Leeds have been much more dependable defensively, conceding only six goals through seven matches. Calvert-Lewin has given the visitors a reliable option up front, and their midfield has created chances consistently. Sunderland's home advantage matters, but their scoring problems remain difficult to overlook. Leeds have the stronger record and win this matchup on Sunday afternoon.
Sunderland vs Leeds United Over/Under Pick
- Under 2.5
Sunderland haven't scored in their last two Premier League games, and Leeds have been keeping opponents quiet. The visitors have allowed only 0.86 goals per match, with two clean sheets through seven outings. Sunderland have scored six league goals all season, while Leeds have managed nine. Neither side has been particularly productive in front of goal. Expect a tight contest with few clear chances. The under 2.5 is the play.