Sunderland Q&A LIVE: Are Sunderland now safe from relegation? Should a striker be signed in Jan?
The latest Leeds United and Man City team news ahead of their festive fixtures against Sunderland.
The Black Cats followed up their memorable Wear-Tyne derby win over Newcastle United with a handy goalless draw at Brighton, though they did generate numerous opportunities to win the match, with their 1.38 xG outstripping that of Brighton (1.13). Nevertheless, it’s a good point, and now Sunderland return to the Stadium of Light, where they sit alongside Arsenal as the only two remaining unbeaten teams at home in the Premier League.
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Maintaining that record won’t be easy against a Leeds side who have well and truly hit their stride. Fuelled by the goals of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Daniel Farke’s men have taken eight points from their last four games in a run bookended by wins over Chelsea (3-1) and Crystal Palace (4-1), having previously lost their last four and six of their last seven.
It arguably gets even more difficult for the Black Cats after that, with second-place Manchester City the task on New Year’s Day. Pep Guardiola’s side are on a seven-game winning streak across all competitions, but Regis Le Bris will at least take solace in that game also being at home. Key to Sunderland’s chances will be the strength of Leeds and Man City’s squads, so here is the latest team news for both sides.
Leeds United
Daniel James - Out
Daniel James picked up a hamstring injury against Man City in late November and has missed the whole of Leeds’ four-game unbeaten streak. While Farke hasn’t felt his absence too harshly yet, the Wales international isn’t due back until late January, placing extra strain on the Leeds players at the busiest time of year.
Lukas Nmecha - Out
Lukas Nmecha scored in three consecutive games in November, despite Leeds losing against Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Man City. He fired a blank against Chelsea, but still helped the Whites to victory with his physical presence against the opposition centre-backs. However, like James, he is now also nursing a hamstring injury that has forced him out of the last three games. The German is expected back a little earlier than James, but almost certainly not in time for this match.
Sean Longstaff - Out
Former Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff was probably relishing the thought of coming to the Stadium of Light to dole out some Christmas cheer. There’s no such luck for him, however, with Longstaff currently nursing a calf injury that’s sidelined him for the last five games and counting. Early January is his scheduled return window.
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola is driving a hard festive bargain with his squad this Christmas, refusing them a day off after the 3-0 win over West Ham last time out and warning that anyone returning from the festivities overweight will be sidelined against Nottingham Forest - which would also leave them in doubt to face Sunderland if a teammate puts in a strong performance against the Tricky Trees.
The Spaniard said: “The players asked me to take a day off. I said, ‘No, because you didn’t play good enough’. So, Sunday recovery, train the guys that didn’t play, and after three days off, they have two days to prepare for Nottingham Forest. “Every player makes a weight. They come back on the 25th, and I will be there controlling how many kilos come up, (to see if) they come fatty.”
Omar Marmoush - Out
Omar Marmoush has scored just once for Manchester City this season after a promising start at the club at the end of 2024/25. He won’t get the chance to improve that record anytime soon, given he’s at the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.
Rayan Ait-Nouri - Out
Rayan Ait-Nouri is also at Afcon, joining up with Marmoush’s North African rivals, Algeria.
Jeremy Doku - Doubt
Jeremy Doku has been sidelined for a couple of weeks with a leg injury, last playing in the Champions League against Real Madrid on 10th December. The Belgian winger is expected back in early January, though this game may come too soon.
John Stones - Doubt
John Stones has been out a week longer than Doku with a muscle problem, but he has a chance of making the squad for the Nottingham Forest match on 27th December, so he should be available against Sunderland.
Mateo Kovacic - Doubt
Mateo Kovacic has played just four minutes of Premier League football this season due to an ankle injury, but is expected back in action over the coming weeks. The Sunderland game may be a bit too early for him, though there is a chance he could return to the bench.
Rodri - Doubt
Kovacic’s absence has been felt even more amid the ongoing fitness issues endured by Rodri. However, the Spaniard is closing in on a return, having not played since 2nd November, and could make the squad at the Stadium of Light, though likely not from the start.
Oscar Bobb - Doubt
Oscar Bobb has been in and out of the side since returning from a broken leg, with the usual muscle complaints that follow such a serious injury hampering his return. However, he’s once again close to returning to action and could take his place on the bench against Sunderland.
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