Sunderland vs Leeds United Picks and Predictions for Sunday October 25 2026
You know things are going badly when you’re six minutes into a match and already chasing it. Sunderland went to Bournemouth last Sunday, conceded early, then had Kevin Danso sent off before the clock reached 20 minutes. By halftime, you could probably guess how the afternoon was going to finish. Bournemouth won 2-0, and Sunderland had another defeat to explain.
Leeds supporters have been having a better time of it. Their side drew 1-1 with Manchester United last weekend, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin got the equalizer. They’d beaten Newcastle 4-1 earlier in the season, so there’s been enough good football to keep everybody interested. Not perfect, but a lot better than what’s happening at Sunderland.
The Black Cats host Leeds United at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, England, on Sunday, October 25, 2026. Kickoff is at 12:30 PM ET. Leeds are around +140 on the moneyline, Sunderland are +205, and the draw is +225. The total is 2.5 goals. Get in on all the action with our free soccer picks.
Sunderland Are Having A Miserable Time Of It
Sunderland are 19th with four points from seven matches. They’ve lost four straight, and Sunday’s defeat at Bournemouth was another one that got away early. Marcus Tavernier scored in the sixth minute, Danso was sent off in the 17th, and Evanilson added Bournemouth’s second shortly after halftime. Sunderland spent most of the afternoon trying to survive. They didn’t manage a goal, and that made it two straight league matches without scoring.
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The defending has been poor, even when Sunderland have had everybody on the pitch. They conceded five to Manchester City in September and two more to Brighton before losing at Bournemouth. That’s nine goals in three matches. Leeds aren’t going to keep the ball like City, but they have enough attacking talent to make Sunderland work. The Black Cats need to be more organized, especially with defenders missing. Another early mistake could make this a very long afternoon.
Brian Brobbey has three league goals from 11 shots, which is a decent return considering Sunderland’s struggles. Enzo Le Fée has created 11 chances and remains important when they get forward. Brobbey has been dealing with a hamstring problem, while Wilson Isidor is another fitness concern. Danso is suspended after his red card, Daniel Ballard and Thomas Meunier have thigh injuries, and Romaine Mundle is out with a knee problem. That’s a lot of missing players for a team already short on confidence.
Leeds United Have Been Picking Up Points
Leeds have ten points from seven matches and sit seventh. They drew 1-1 with Manchester United last Sunday, with Calvert-Lewin scoring six minutes into the second half after Bryan Mbeumo had put United ahead. Leeds have also beaten Newcastle 4-1 and drawn with Crystal Palace. They’ve lost to Arsenal, but that’s hardly a disaster. Daniel Farke has got them playing with enough confidence to compete, and they’ve been collecting points against decent opposition.
Leeds aren’t exactly tearing teams apart every week, but they’ve been organized and dangerous enough going forward. Calvert-Lewin gives them somebody who can finish chances, and Anton Stach has been creating opportunities from midfield. Sunderland’s defense has been giving up too much space, so Leeds should get chances Sunday. The visitors don’t need to play a perfect match. They just need to avoid the mistakes Sunderland have been making.
Calvert-Lewin has four league goals from 14 shots. That’s a pretty good start, and he’s the player Sunderland will be most worried about. Stach has created ten chances and gives Leeds another way to get the ball into dangerous areas. Joe Rodon is out with a thigh injury, Mateo Joseph has a knee problem, and Daniel James has been dealing with a back issue. Those absences aren’t ideal, particularly Rodon at the back, but Leeds have still been getting results.
Sunderland vs Leeds United Picks and Predictions
Leeds United Moneyline (+140)
I’m taking Leeds. Sunderland have lost four straight and are missing defenders, including the suspended Danso. Calvert-Lewin has been scoring, and Leeds have shown they can get results against better opposition than Sunderland. The Stadium of Light can be a difficult place to visit, and the home crowd might give Sunderland a lift. But I can’t find much reason to trust the Black Cats right now. Leeds are playing better football, and +140 is a fair price.
Under 2.5 Goals (-134)
I’ll take the under. Sunderland haven’t scored in their last two league matches, and Leeds don’t need to turn this into a wild game. If the visitors get ahead, they can keep the ball and make Sunderland chase. The Black Cats have injuries up front as well as at the back, so I’m not expecting them to create a lot. Leeds might score two, but I don’t see Sunderland contributing much. Leeds 2, Sunderland 0.
Final Picks: Leeds United Moneyline (+140) and Under 2.5 Goals (-134)
This preview was completed October 21, 2026. Betting lines, injuries, and starting lineups may change before kickoff.
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