After Christmas, Leeds United have a tough three-game run in which Daniel Farke takes his side away from Elland Road twice, before returning to Yorkshire to host Manchester United.
Daniel Farke has already spoken to the media ahead of Sunday’s home clash against the Black Cats, who come into the game in sixth place in the Premier League after a wonderful start to the 2025-26 season.
Would you make any changes for Sunderland? 🤔
Leeds United's injury latest - Nmecha, Longstaff and James.
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Had it not been for Sunderland, Leeds would be earning massive plaudits for their form. However, the Black Cats have blown away the worrying trend of promoted sides being relegated after just one season.
Leeds are doing so too, judging by their last four displays. Wins against Chelsea and Crystal Palace, while drawing against Liverpool and Brentford away. Leeds will want to go into 2026 unbeaten after five games.
Regis Le Bris during Sunderland vs Coventry City.
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Predicting the next three: Sunderland, Liverpool, Man United
Sunderland v Leeds
This is a great time to play a Sunderland side that have shocked all, and deserved major plaudits for the first half the 2025-26 season. Regis Le Bris has proven himself as one of the best managers in England.
The work in the transfer window, superb, even if they may have overspent here and there. However, with eight missing in total, including six at AFCON, there is no better time to play them. It will be a tight clash.
Prediction: 1-2 Leeds
Liverpool v Leeds
Leeds have only played twice since last facing Liverpool, when Ao Tanaka scored a last-minute equaliser to draw 3-3. Liverpool, meanwhile, have played three times, beating Inter, Brighton and then Tottenham.
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Six points clear of the bottom three – Leeds can start to relax… can’t they? 😤
Gary Neville on Leeds.
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Liverpool are in a much better position and while they will be without Alexander Isak after his broken leg and operation, they still have Hugo Ekitike who scored a brace against Leeds, and home advantage.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Leeds
Leeds v Man United
Then, it is the one Leeds fans will have been waiting for. Manchester United at Elland Road, One day apart from the famous January 3, Cup win under Simon Grayson, with Jermaine Beckford scoring in a 1-0 win.
Elland Road will be absolutely pumping. More than it has done all season, which is somehow hard to believe, but it will. It feels hard to see a Leeds defeat, especially with Bruno Fernandes ruled out injured.
Prediction: Leeds 1-1 Man United
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