Sunderland welcome Leeds United to the Stadium of Light in the Championship. Last time out Sunderland beat Derby and Leeds drew at Norwich. Sunderland kept an unchanged starting 11 and went ahead with a rocket of a strike from Jobe Bellingham. Derby caused a few problems for the Black Cats but couldn’t find a way past Anthony Patterson. Striker Wilson Isidor finished off a fine move and cross from Mundle to win the game 2-0 as Sunderland returned to the top of the Championship table. The Black Cats have won all 4 of their opening home games without conceding a goal, for the first time ever. Dan Ballard and Eliezer Mayenda are expected to return to the side after the international break. Alan Browne could return to the starting eleven. Ian Poveda limped off after 10 minutes of coming on as a sub and is unlikely to feature against Leeds. Huggins, Seelt, Alese & Abdullahi remain injured. Josh Sargent's penalty put Norwich in front at half-time after he was fouled in the box by Leeds defender Joe Rodon. Ramazani's goal after the break earned Leeds a well-deserved point after an improved second-half performance. Leeds have lost one game this season, at home to Burnley and currently sit in 5th place on 15 points. Ampadu is out for a few months after suffering a knee injury against Coventry at the weekend. Bulgarian Ilia Gruev limped off in the 20th minute at Norwich and is out. Regis le Bris: “It was another tough game and I think our first half was good even if we can have more control of the game, especially in possession. “We scored after a high recovery and in this kind of game it is very important to score first. “We scored quickly after half-time and then the game became more chaotic because they wanted to unbalance us with direct play and were very strong in duels. “We had a good level of discipline. It’s another win at home. I would like to be more dominant in possession because we have the quality to do that, so we will work on it.” Press Conference: Daniel Farke: "Definitely a good point on the road. I think overall it was a good advertisement for the Championship - a tight game and obviously in these tight games decisive moments are always crucial. "Norwich is a good side, they have an unbeaten record here at home during the season. Last game, big [4-1] win against Watford. You could feel two in-form teams were today on the pitch." Match Appointments Referee: TIM ROBINSON Assistant Referees: Richard West and Steven Meredith Fourth Official: Oliver Langford Team Lineups: Sunderland AFC: (4-3-3) Patterson, Cirkin, Mepham, O’Nien, Hume, Rigg, Neil, Jobe, Mundle, Isidor, Roberts Subs: Moore, Bennette, Hjelde, Rigg, Aleksic, Ba, Ogunsuyi, Rusyn, Watson. Injured: Huggins, Seelt, Alese, Poveda, Abdullahi. Leeds: (4-2-3-1) Meslier, Bogle, Rondon, Struijk, Firpo, Tanaka, Rothwell, Gnonto, Aaronson, Ramazani, Joseph. Subs: Darlow, Chambers, Bamford, Byron, Crew, Debayo, Gelhardt, Piroe, Schmidte. Injured: Ampadu, Gruev, James, Wober, Solomon. Betting Odds: Sunderland 2/1 Leeds 13/10 Draw 23/10 Prutton Predicts: meh My two pence: Leeds gave us a few tough games last season and this will be a good test for our young team to see how we compare this season. Gnonto was their main threat against Norwich. We are very strong at home and this game will be so different to the way Derby approached it, I just hope that the referee is a lot better than the previous one. I’m going for a 1-0 home win to stay top. Live Stream: https://www.safc.com/live Available on Sky Sports Football Ha’way the Lads
RTB, what can I say. As relentless as the fixtures are you never miss a beat. This place is blessed with your efforts. I couldnt do it mate Bring Leeds on. Lets see what they make of us. I have no doubt they are working on a very specific approach for us. We have become a side others respect. I am not absolutely convinced by their squad. I wouldnt swap it for ours put it that way. They have a bit more nous maybe, but them I listen to Jobe and think our lads are way ahead of their years. I would stick with the starting 11 myself. I think it is our best. Browne might have a chance if we want to take Rigg out. I would understand that call. I cant wait to see if Connelly pushes himself into the limelight. He could be a complete wildcard for us. For me ask the lads to go again, and give them some downtime as a thanks. These lads look to me like they will run all day for each other and for the skipper and coach. Lets keep trusting them.
Browne has to start for me, Rigg hasn't been as effective last 2 games n just feel we need a player like Browne against Leeds Rigg would be a great player to bring on against a tiring team The rest of the team picks itself I suspect that Trey will replace Poveda on the bench
Another clean sheet at home would be superb and we’d head into the international break in a great place
I am hoping for the win obviously but expecting a high scoring draw. To be honest I would settle for a point now. The usual very high standard write up RTB, thank you my fine fellow.
Take a point all day against these. Having said that we kept them out twice last season and our record against them isn't shabby. Another clean sheet and the least we pick up is a point. Well done again RTB, HTL.
At some point a team will score against us at the SOL. It’s inevitable. Just the longer it doesn’t happen the more I don’t want it to.
Be interesting to see how we approach this one, I'm sure RLB will have it sorted and will pick the best 11 to deliver. Will take a draw but if we play like we can we should have enough to pick up the 3 points. I'm going 2-1 Wilson and Roberts
Massive test need all the experienced lads we have involved from the off so Browne in for Rigg, a point would be good a win excellent regardless we go into the break in a great position with lads to come back and keep us right up there
Would also bring in Browne for Rigg. Assuming he is fully fit. Tougher game this one. I would be content with a draw. I see a 1-1.
Huge game. Probably need 8/10 performances across the pitch to come away with anything. Would switch out Rigg for Browne here if he's fit enough to start. Sneaky 1-0 win. Mepham header.
I agree, we don’t need to over play him. Browne is quality and Rigg is great back up. Tough game and a home win.
