v-Leeds-United-(A)-17-2-25
Leeds United vs. Sunderland – Final Score 2-1
Tough Break at Leeds for Sunderland
In a heart-wrenching match this Monday, Sunderland faced a late defeat at Leeds, a result that Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris found difficult to digest despite being proud of his players' performance. The Black Cats were in a promising position, leading the game and looking set to close the gap on Leeds to just four points at the top of the Championship table.
A Blow to Promotion Hopes
The match saw Sunderland's impressive eight-game unbeaten streak come to a halt, pushing them eight points away from the top two in the league standings. Le Bris reflected on the game's dynamics, admitting that his team struggled in the second half. "The second half was more difficult because they built strong momentum, and we didn't find the solution to break their dynamic," he said. The home crowd’s energy played a crucial role, intensifying as the game progressed, which Sunderland failed to counteract effectively, even with strategic substitutions.
Pascal Struijk’s late double for Leeds was a significant blow, undermining Sunderland's earlier efforts and firm control in the first half where they deservedly took the lead. Reflecting on the team’s performance and the atmosphere, Le Bris commented, "With the crowd, the energy of the stadium - it was always increasing and even with our subs, we didn't find the solution to change this energy."
Championship | Monday, 17th February 2025 | Kick-off: 20:00 PM GMT | Elland Road, Leeds
Introduction
A huge clash in the Championship sees league leaders Leeds United take on fourth-placed Sunderland at Elland Road. Leeds look to maintain their title charge, while Sunderland aims to close the gap and solidify their playoff position. With both teams in strong form, this promises to be an intense Monday night showdown under the lights.
Match Details
- 📅 Date: Monday, 17th February 2025
- ⏰ Kick-off Time: 20:00 PM GMT
- 🏟️ Venue: Elland Road, Leeds
- 📺 Broadcast: Live on Sky Sports Football & Main Event
Head-to-Head Analysis
Historically, this fixture has been closely contested.
| Competition |
Games Played |
Leeds Wins |
Sunderland Wins |
Draws |
| All Competitions |
96 |
40 |
35 |
21 |
- Their last meeting ended in a 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light in October 2024.
- Leeds have won three of the last five meetings, while Sunderland are seeking their first win at Elland Road since 2014.
🔗 Head-to-head stats: 11v11.com
Current League Positions
- Leeds United: 1st (Leading the Championship, dominant at home, looking to pull further ahead at the top.)
- Sunderland: 4th (Pushing for automatic promotion, unbeaten in their last five games.)
Team News
Leeds United:
- Key Players: Joël Piroe, Willy Gnonto, and Crysencio Summerville have been instrumental in their attacking play.
- Tactics: Daniel Farke’s side is expected to press high, dominate possession, and capitalize on Sunderland’s defensive gaps.
Sunderland:
- Key Players: Chris Rigg, Jobe Bellingham, and top scorer Wilson Isidor.
- Tactics: Régis Le Bris may opt for a more disciplined approach, looking to counter Leeds' aggressive attacking play.
Form Guide (Last Five Matches)
Leeds United:
✅ 4-0 vs Watford (Championship)
❌ 0-2 vs Millwall (FA Cup)
✅ 2-0 vs Coventry City (Championship)
✅ 7-0 vs Cardiff City (Championship)
🔲 0-0 vs Burnley (Championship)
Sunderland:
✅ 2-0 vs Luton Town (Championship)
🔲 2-2 vs Watford (Championship)
✅ 3-2 vs Middlesbrough (Championship)
🔲 2-2 vs Plymouth Argyle (Championship)
✅ 1-0 vs Derby County (Championship)
Key Battles
⚔️ Joël Piroe (Leeds) vs. Sunderland’s Defence – The Dutch forward has been in excellent form and will test Sunderland’s backline.
⚔️ Chris Rigg (Sunderland) vs. Ethan Ampadu (Leeds) – The young Sunderland star must battle Leeds' midfield general to gain control.
⚔️ Wilson Isidor (Sunderland) vs. Pascal Struijk (Leeds) – Sunderland’s in-form striker will be crucial in breaking Leeds’ defensive lines.
Quirky Stories & ‘Did You Know?’
- The last time Sunderland won at Elland Road was in 2014 in a 1-0 victory.
- Leeds' 7-0 win over Cardiff was their biggest victory of the season so far.
- Sunderland is undefeated in their last five Championship matches, while Leeds have kept three clean sheets in a row.
Prediction
Both teams are in excellent form, making this a tough game to call. Leeds have been dominant at home, but Sunderland have proven to be resilient. This could be a cagey contest, with a 1-1 draw or a narrow Leeds win looking like the most likely outcome.
Latest Betting Odds
- Leeds United Win: 5/4
- Draw: 9/4
- Sunderland Win: 2/1
- Over 2.5 Goals: Evens
Odds subject to change. Gamble responsibly.
