David Prutton has offered his prediction for Leeds United’s match against Sunderland this evening.
The Whites face the first of five remaining cup finals in the fight for automatic promotion, with the top two already out of their reach following Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Coventry City.
Leeds were the first side to be beaten in the league in 2024, but they simply cannot afford to continue that trend at this point in the season.
Leeds could be without talisman Ethan Ampadu for the first time since joining from Chelsea last summer due to sickness, but Daniel Farke will be desperate to have him fit given how crucial he has been.
Sunderland, however, has watched their season fade into mid-table mediocrity, but they do have former Leeds winger Jack Clarke returning and will provide a threat in attack.
Prutton’s prediction for Leeds against Sunderland tonight
Leeds were defeated 1-0 in the return encounter at the Stadium of Light in December, and they will be hoping to avoid becoming the first team to complete a league double over them.
Daniel Farke’s team is still unbeaten at Elland Road this season, so they will be glad to be back at home for the next two games as they attempt to re-establish their push for the top two.
Leeds had too many players who were below their best against Coventry on Saturday, so several of them will need to put in a strong effort to recover.
Former Leeds player David Prutton has predicted the match in his current Sky Sports piece, believing it is a ‘kind fixture’ to return to winning ways.
He said: “That was a major blow for Leeds at Coventry, but it wasn’t too surprising given the difficult journey. They need to recover soon, mind.
“But this is a kind fixture since Sunderland is simply trying to make it to the conclusion of the season. This should be a home victory. Prediction: Leeds 2-1 Sunderland.
Predicted Leeds XI will meet Sunderland
BBC pundit Jon Newsome suggested over the weekend that he wouldn’t be surprised if Farke made a few changes to his starting lineup tonight, but based on what he said in his press conference, it doesn’t seem likely.
As previously stated, Ampadu is the only fresh fitness doubt going into the match due to illness, but he will be anxious to play and will hopefully recover in time.
Sam Byram, who recently coped with Hull City’s Jaden Philogene, should be brought back in at right-back to counter Clarke’s threat.
Neither Connor Roberts nor Willy Gnonto are yet well enough to start following injuries, and Patrick Bamford appears to be set to hold his spot ahead of Mateo Joseph, despite cries for change.
