Leeds v Sunderland Match Thread

[Cjay]

Monday 17th February 8:00pm | Elland Road


Leeds United host Sunderland under the lights at Elland Road on Monday evening, looking to extend their unbeaten run to 15 league games. With 18 goals scored and none conceded in their last six outings, Daniel Farke’s side is in imperious form and sits five points clear of third-placed Burnley. However, Sunderland, currently fourth in the Championship, pose a serious challenge, knowing that a win could bring them within four points of Leeds in the automatic promotion race. Leeds have taken 18 points from their last eight matches, mirroring the returns of Sunderland and Sheffield United. Historically, though, the Black Cats have been a tough opponent, with Leeds managing just one victory in their last seven league encounters against them, including three consecutive draws.

Daniel Farke confirmed in his press conference that Max Wöber's recent surgery was successful, with the defender expected to return after the March international break. However, Patrick Bamford remains sidelined, needing another 10 days of individual training before he can rejoin full team sessions, which is likely to happen after the Sheffield United fixture. Pascal Struijk’s return from a hamstring injury is a welcome boost, having featured from the bench in the recent 4-0 demolition of Watford. His availability could allow Farke to shift Ethan Ampadu back into midfield, strengthening Leeds’ control in possession. Farke also praised Illan Meslier’s recent performances, emphasizing his importance in goal after a period of doubt, no no small part thanks to his error in the reverse fixture earlier in the season. The young Frenchman has responded well with a string of clean sheets, reinforcing his status as a crucial part of Leeds' promotion push.





Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland side has exceeded expectations this season. A team that finished 16th last campaign and lost their star man Jack Clarke in the summer has defied the odds, currently sitting fourth and pushing for automatic promotion. The January arrival of Enzo Le Fée has revitalized their midfield, complementing the talents of Jobe Bellingham. Le Bris has shown tactical flexibility, alternating between a 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, and even a 4-4-2 when required. Sunderland’s preference for counter-attacking play has been effective, but their tendency to sit back when leading has seen them drop more points from winning positions than any other team in the top four. Wilson Isidor leads the line and offers a strong physical presence, while attacking full-backs Trui Hume and Dennis Cirkin will look to stretch Leeds’ defense. However, Sunderland will be without Ajibola Alese, Niall Huggins, Tom Watson, and Jayden Danns, though Romaine Mundle’s potential return could provide a late boost.

Sunderland are a dangerous side in transition, ranking among the league’s best for chance creation from driving runs and quick passing sequences. Leeds will need to be wary of their ability to break forward at speed. From a Leeds perspective, Farke must decide whether to persist with the Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev midfield partnership or opt for a more attacking option, such as Joe Rothwell. Given Sunderland’s preference for sitting deep and countering, Leeds may need extra creativity to unlock their defensive structure. Farke spoke about the importance of decision-making in possession, noting that while Leeds have controlled games, they must balance quick transitions with the patience to build attacks carefully. The need for defensive concentration is also paramount, as Sunderland have shown they can score from multiple areas on the pitch.

With a win, Leeds could move 10 points clear of Sunderland, go back above Sheffield United and further tighten their grip on automatic promotion. However, as Farke emphasized, Sunderland are "one of the best sides in this league," and Leeds will need full concentration to avoid a slip-up. The reverse fixture saw Leeds dominate long spells but ultimately draw due to a goalkeeping blunder. Monday presents the perfect opportunity to set the record straight.



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[Barlow Boy]

Monday night, under the lights, fantastic atmosphere.

Cannot wait to get there

[mentalcase]

They actually gave us a game up there , but they were very very fortunate at the end.
Home win for me though.

[Carrick Dave]

I'd be happy with Gruev starting again, we have the option to bring Pascal on and move Amps forward if required.

We should definitely pick up another three points, but you can never bet against an upset in the Championship.

If we do win it puts us in a great position going into the Blunts game, regaining top spot for a start as they will have beaten Luton on Saturday.

[andrewjohnsmith]

They actually gave us a game up there , but they were very very fortunate at the end.
Home win for me though.

They were playing better back then too. Top of the league at the time, I believe. They've hit some more inconsistent form since then.

[andrewjohnsmith]

I can't see us changing much.

Strujik would probably be in a full strength line up. But right now, it looks like he'll have to wait for an opportunity to open up again.

I think the only possible change will be in midfield. Looked like Farke likes Gruev away and Rothwell at home. He may keep this one tighter though and play Gruev.

[mentalcase]

They were playing better back then too. Top of the league at the time, I believe. They've hit some more insistent form since then.

Yes they were, my sunderland friends said, they were waiting for the bubble to burst, but their manager has done a remarkable job tbf, just not as remarkable as ours

[Johnthewhite]

Monday night, under the lights, fantastic atmosphere.

Cannot wait to get there

Me too, if we can continue our current form it could be a special night

[Cjay]

Personally my concern is our full backs are much better offensively than defensively

Wouldn't want to see Le Fee and Roberts getting 1v1 with Bogle and Firpo much.

[Jammy 07]

I'd be happy with Gruev starting again, we have the option to bring Pascal on and move Amps forward if required.

We should definitely pick up another three points, but you can never bet against an upset in the Championship.

If we do win it puts us in a great position going into the Blunts game, regaining top spot for a start as they will have beaten Luton on Saturday.

As Sunderland have lost only 4 games all season I'm not sure there is anything certain about this game. Definitely looking forward to what will be a thrilling end to end encounter though and as always may the best team win.

[malcolmw]

I can't see us changing much.

Strujik would probably be in a full strength line up. But right now, it looks like he'll have to wait for an opportunity to open up again.

I think the only possible change will be in midfield. Looked like Farke likes Gruev away and Rothwell at home. He may keep this one tighter though and play Gruev.

Agree. If everyone is fit, don't see many changes. I also think Gruev and Tanaka are the best bet in midfield. Sunderland seem to have some resilience about them. Don't think they'll make (as many) silly errors as Watford.

[Sean_Nile]

Football 101.

Winning football games is rather like eating a plate of fish and chips—delightful, and satisfying, You see, every time you win, they give you these marvelous things called "points," and the more your get, the better it is, unlike STD's

Conversely, lose too often, and you’ll find yourself sliding down the table faster than a ferret down a poachers leg.

Not many people know that... so it is better to win, and if you don't, be prepared for a season of explaining yourself to your mother!

[DDB220]

18 goals scored in our last 6 games (League) 0 conceded, 5 wins.

5 points clear of 3rd placed Burnley

Nothing to fear for us at the moment but fear itself.

However a challenge of quite significant nature presents itself on Monday in the form of Championship surprise package Sunderland.

Having finished a lowly 16th last season ending with a run of only 2 wins in 15 and the summer departure of star man Jack Clarke, expectations weren't high for the 6 time pre war English Champions.

However new manager Regis Le Bris came in and with his tactical flexibility and a talented crop of youngsters he has managed to lead them to 4th in the Championship, only a handful of points outside the top 2.

Bit downcast on the Sunderland forum for anyone who had a look, much bickering and arguing (much like here actually)

But things aren't all bad, not bad at all really,

A convincing win vs struggling Luton Town made it 5 wins in 8, 1 defeat in 13.

Wins vs Middlesbrough And Sheffield United in that run.

We are the form team over the last 12, Sunderland are 3rd, so no need for doom and gloom.

The reverse fixture was a very decent performance from us largely and bar one of the most incredible goalie errors ever we'd have won that game.

If a criticism it is the away form, it's not terrible, but 12 points from 8 isn't hitting the traditional automatic marker, neither does the away form Overall this season.

And indeed all of the defeats this season have come away (we are now hitting the traditional away form points markers incidentally)

In terms of tactics Sunderland aren't a possession side generally, atleast not for the full game.

They have a habit of having spells of possession, looking decent, maybe nicking a goal, then the manager goes ultra safe, they drop back and sit off.

It has lead to some very nice counter attacking goals, it has also lead to some very nervy and in some cases costly games. 9 points dropped from winning positions is more than double any one else in the top 4.

Regis Le Bris has earned a reputation for his flexibility.

He prefers by his own admission a 4-3-3, but this can become a back 3 with the midfielder (usually Dan Neil) dropping into defence).

It can become a 4-2-3-1 and on occasion he has thrown a curveball as he did very successfully vs Sheffield United and gone 4-4-2.

So a more counter attacking approach, but frustratingly at times it can be slow, safe, they do struggle at times to progress from defence to midfield.

But when it gets into midfield eventually it moves with pace, short snappy passes into the front line, or a player running with the ball driving forward (top in the league for that chances created like that).

Also top 3 for shots and shots on target and touches in the opposition box, and fairly accurate with a top 6 shots to on target ratio.

Out of possession they tend to force teams wide, crowd the midfield and try and force teams into areas where a press is triggered, not a high pressing team but in midfield very gold, top 2 for possession won in midfield.

Then they look to move it quickly forward to the wingers who maintain width make the pitch as wide as possible and creating space for midfield runners to join the attack from deep.

In terms of key players.

Standout name would be January loan signing Enzo Le Fee, not just because it made a lot of headlines but because he's extremely good. Gave poor Luke Ayling the run around the other week. A technically excellent player, a sharp turn, a tricky dribble and an eye for a pass make him a real threat. Only has 1 goal and 1 assist but if you take the assist for the assist stat he's probably got 3 or 4 as he's been heavily involved in multiple goals. Furthermore he's heavily involved in general, he averages twice as many touches as
our wingers per game which shows is a heavy focus on getting the ball to him.

The less famous Bellingham brother is another important player with his driving runs and ball progressive passing, 4 goals and 3 assists from midfield.

Finally striker Wilson Isidor of 2 penalties missed in one game fame is a handful, big, strong and quick, he can play the duel role of hold up man bringing others in and pacey in behind stretch the play striker, 11 goals and 1 assist.

So a talented team in good form undoubtedly.

But a young side, the youngest average starting age in the league and one prone to the odd lapse, a bit unwilling or unable to kill games off has cost them.

A team at their best very capable but also one that plays in periods rather than outright dominance.

The willingness to invite pressure gives them the worst defence in the top 4, not terrible but it's clearly a slight issue.

But a very decent attacking team and a very astute manager who has done a very decent job and not a team to take lightly.

And must be said injuries haven't been kind this season for Sunderland.

But opportunity beckons once again.

A win takes us 10 points clear of Sunderland.

So is the emphasis on them?

In terms of ourselves will be interesting to see what DF does here.

Away from home he's brought Gruev in for his defensive solidarity.

But is this the game for him at home? Or would people prefer the more attacking (relatively) Joe Rothwell?

Hard to see any changes in the attacking players.

Struijk? Byram?

Nothing to fear except fear itself ?

Just stick with the stats mate

[Tom the Cat]

I have seen both Sunderland and the Blunts on TV recently and in my opinion they are not in the same class as us. If we play as we have been doing for the last few games there should not be a problem.

[Sean_Nile]

Craig Pawson a Sheffield United fan has been appointed Ref for the Sunderland game. The man's got history!!!

Struijk won the ball with his original challenge but caught Elliott’s trailing leg.

After play continued, Pawson decided to dismiss Struijk leaving the Leeds defender in shock.

It made matters even worse for Pawson when the Liverpool midfielder himself wrote on his Instagram: “Wasn’t his fault whatsoever. Neither was it a red card, just a freak accident.”

[Irish Ian]

Sunderland have been very very fortunate against us.

Mesliers blunder comes to mind but we were denied a stonewall penalty in the home game last season when one of their guys handled the ball over his head, but apparently that was a natural position as he was doing ballet at the time.

So I do fear that they have us under their thrall remaining unbeaten three times despite us being on top for most of the three games we have played

[GreennWhite]

I watched Sunderland against Middlesbrough recently. They won but got 2 lucky goals.They look dangerous going forward but their defence isnt one that would give me a lot of confidence if i were a Sunderland fan. Its one of those defences that always looks like they will concede. I hope we are not in one of our moods to miss a load of chances like we can be prone to do.
Cant see this game ending scoreless, but wont predict the score

[Cjay]

Farke on team news

Surgery on Max was good. had it yesterday and went to plan. Doctors are ahppy with the outcome. We expect him to be back after the interntional break in March.

Bamford? Sadly last days were not ideal. He will need anothr 10 days of indivudual training. Hopefully in a couple of weeks he will be back. He needs to be there eith the fully ability to sprint. We expect him to join team training after the Sheffield United game.



Meslier

He is a self critical young man. The only answer is after a shaky period to work even harder in training that's what he did. He's been pretty focused and concentrated.

Many clean sheets during this season, it's pretty mpressive. I'm happy with this but it;s what I expect from him.

He was named in last season's Championship team of the season. We want him to keep going and he wants to keep going. If you want to be successful in this league you need a top no.1.



Goalkeeper coach

Compliments to Ed, we've workd for quite a long time and is a great carcater. Not just for the goalkeeper bur also the field players and the offensive players in terms of ther finishing from the persepective of a goalkeeper.

Each and every GK wants to show me the best they've got. We've got a good spirit in the group. This is down to Ed Wootton. His empathy and mn amangement he is also pretty helpful (through rough period). Doing an excellent job, we have such a quality goalkeeper coach.



Tanaka

I think overall, it's important he's in a central role. You have to lead and make sure they are all n the same page. Football is one language that everyone understands.

To lead by example on the pitch with good performances is what we expected. A plyer like Archie Gray last season at 18 when in a central role (did this).

Of course Tanaka is not the biggest leader in terms of speaking but he players a crucial role.



Sunderland

In general, they are a brave side. They can score more or less from all positions.

We have to be good in many areas.




Build up play

In terms of counter attacks, where do you win the ball and what is the sutructure of the oponnent. Then to notice that in two or three seconds.

It's not always the case you can deliver a perfect decision. Then keep in mind for the game, if its busy, if we overdo it then we can offer some mistakes. So sometimes it's necessary to calm down and recharge in posession. I'm a big beleiever you can educate this on the training pitch. It's not just coincidence.



Ampadu

Very pleased. Ampadu is our key player and our captain. To have him back in his best shape is so important. He has done an outsatdning job alongside Joe Rodon.

Delighted also to have Pascal back.




Planning ahead

It's a bit complicated because the financial resources differ a bit. The finances, you have to be a bit more careful in terms of planning.

It's for each and every team the same situation. Quite often you don't know which league you're going to play in. Even more difficult if you reach a play-off final and you have to start planning in June.

It's important that you prapre a few options. The quicker you are there in your key positions the better.




Possession

Sometimes we were a bit untidy in posession but credit to Watford who had robustness in the pace.

you have to adapt to the reality. When you play the top sides you have to accept their wuality and they will have their periods in the game.

Although you play against the ball you can dominate out of posssession. Sometimes our decision-making could have been there (vs Watford).



Sunderland progress

Regis is an expereince manager and has proved this in his career. Sunderland have experienced players at this level who could lead the group. Individual signing - the offensive are shining. They are one of the best sides in this league.

We should have won the last game against them as we dominated many periods. We have to be concentrated.

[Cjay]

Sunderland will have 2 long term absentee players back for Monday.

Midfielder Alan Browne and winger Romaine Mundle, both out since November are available again.

Former LUFC winger Ian Poveda will also return after being dropped for the last game.

[CUSSIE01]

Sunderland have been very very fortunate against us.

Mesliers blunder comes to mind but we were denied a stonewall penalty in the home game last season when one of their guys handled the ball over his head, but apparently that was a natural position as he was doing ballet at the time.

So I do fear that they have us under their thrall remaining unbeaten three times despite us being on top for most of the three games we have played

They were handed a Get out of Jail Free card in the last fixture Ian, they won’t get another.