Sunderland vs Leeds – News and Probable Lineups

Both Sunderland and Leeds United are eager to secure their initial victories in the Premier League Summer Series, as they prepare to meet at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey on Friday morning.

The Black Cats fell to a defeat against the prominent Liverpool in their last outing, while Leeds was bested by Championship side Wrexham during their encounter in the United States.

Match overview

After finishing sixth in the Premier League last season in a remarkable feat, Sunderland is gearing up for a season filled with continental competitions and has taken their pre-season plans overseas.

Following a 5-1 triumph against League Two newcomers York City on July 28, the Black Cats traveled to the United States for the Premier League Summer Series, joining Liverpool, Wrexham, and their Friday opponents, Leeds.

Regis Le Bris’s squad commenced their trip in North America with a 4-2 loss against Nashville, Tennessee, where Liverpool secured their first win under new manager Andoni Iraola.

Sunderland sent out a well-known starting XI for the defeat against the Merseyside Reds, with only Reinildo, Nordi Mukiele, and goalkeeper Melker Ellborg excluded from the team that led the club to Premier League promotion in 2024-25.

The Black Cats have already made significant signings ahead of their Europa League campaign, with club captain Granit Xhaka pledging his commitment to the cause at the Stadium of Light and Thomas Meunier joining on a free transfer.

Similarly, Leeds began their Premier League Summer Series with a loss last weekend, as Wrexham showcased their capabilities in the competition.

Daniel Farke’s team hadn’t even connected with the ball in that match when Kieffer Moore put the Red Dragons ahead within the opening minute, subsequently followed by goals from Bailey Cadamarteri and Sam Smith, leading to a 3-2 victory for Phil Parkinson’s men.

Leeds appeared to lack energy in attack during their defeat to Wrexham, featuring a front line of Wilfried Gnonto, the unsettled striker Joel Piroe, and emerging talent Callum Mills.

In the previous 2025-26 Premier League encounters, the Whites were unsuccessful against Sunderland, who won their last meeting at Elland Road in March via a penalty from Habib Diarra.

Leeds will commence their pursuit of a top-half finish in the Premier League with an away game against Nottingham Forest on August 22, but they will face friendly fixtures against Liverpool and Manchester United prior to the competitive matches beginning.

Team News

Supporters of Sunderland are still looking forward to the debut of summer acquisition Thomas Meunier, who is taking a break during the off-season after participating for Belgium in the World Cup.

Le Bris is expected to maintain a similar starting XI that faced Liverpool, hence Chris Rigg and Enzo Le Fee are likely to stay in central midfield.

Harry Wilson, who transferred from Fulham to Leeds this summer, is anticipated to make his full debut on Friday morning.

Several regulars from the Whites’ first team might be elevated from the bench for this match, including Anton Stach, Lukas Nmecha, and Ao Tanaka.

With James Trafford’s £40m transfer from Manchester City nearing completion, Lucas Perri and Alex Cairns split the goalkeeping responsibilities for Farke’s side.

Sunderland probable starting XI:

Ellborg; Mukiele, Ballard, O’Nien, Reinildo; Browne, Hume, Le Fee, Rigg, Mundle; Isidor

Leeds United probable starting XI:

Perri; Justin, Rodon, Cresswell; James, Ampadu, Stach, Bogle; Wilson, Gnonto, Nmecha

At this juncture in pre-season, it is difficult to predict the team formations, making it nearly impossible to forecast a friendly result confidently.

Nonetheless, we believe Wilson may shine in his full debut for Leeds and potentially lead his team to victory over Sunderland.