please log in to view this image Sunderland v Leeds United Friday 4th October@ 20:00 | Stadium of Light Leeds travel to Monkwearmouth on Friday evening, to face an in-form Sunderland side yet to concede a goal at home! They have won all four of their games at the Stadium of Light this term, and currently top the division with 18 points. Despite being top goalscorers (16 goals), Romaine Mundle is the Black Cat's leading scorer with just three goals, showcasing a vast array of attacking options (10 different scorers) Regis Le Bris has at his disposal. Leeds have actually lost a game less than Sunderland, but sit three points and four places below them in fifth position. Daniel Farke's men lost this resulting fixture last season (1-0) and were held 0-0 at Elland Road. The last time Leeds beat the Mackems was during the 17/18 season (at Sunderland) with Saiz and Dallas on the scoresheet. Regis Le Bris is likely to stick with the same Sunderland XI that beat Derby 2-0 on Tuesday evening. Ian Poveda misses out on the chance of an Elland Road reunion with a hamstring issue. Exciting forward Eliezer Mayenda has a slight thigh strain and won't be risked, whilst Dan Bollard is still several weeks shy of a return to action following his ankle injury. Alan Browne could play a part against Leeds after no adverse reactions after coming on late against Derby County. Manor Solomon is making good progress, but with his injury list, won't see any action until after the International break. Dan James will once again miss out with his troublesome hamstring injury whilst Max Wober has been ruled out for six weeks after undergoing surgery in Austria to remove a cyst on his meniscus. Skipper Ethan Ampadu will be out of action until the New Year (LCL knee injury). He'll be joined on the side-lines by fellow midfielder Ilea Gruev, though we're still waiting on results from the scans. New signing Isaac Schmidt has recovered from his thigh injury, and looks set to take a place on the bench.
I said earlier this week that I'd take two draws against Norwich and Sunderland. A point would be decent. A win would be a statement given our injuries.
evening chaps, thought i would pop in and see your attempt at a match thread, 1-0 mackems i reckon. should be a good game, be nice to see two teams playing football after our last couple of div 3 teams, hope the ref is decent as well...we have to get a team in the SoL scoring against us so won't be too upset if you manage it.
All these injuries are building up to good excuses for not getting promotion Heard it all before same old same old fed up of hearing it
Sunderland have thrown their youngsters in to good effect, maybe time to see if ours can sink or swim?
They were good last season and faded but then they inexplicably sacked their manager half way through the season. It's not a surprise to me to see them in contention, but it would be a surprise to see them finish top 2. That said, I think it's wide open this year, no stand out teams.
These long term injuries to key players so early in the season is a major concern. If we come away with a point tonight I think that would be the best we can hope for.