The final matchday of 2025 at the Stadium of Light features a fascinating encounter between two of the Premier League’s most resilient promoted sides. Sunderland host Leeds United today, Sunday, December 28, 2025, in a 2:00 PM GMT kick-off.
While both teams were battling in the Championship just a year ago, they arrive today with very different objectives. Sunderland are the surprise package of the season, sitting in 6th place and dreaming of European football, while Leeds are enjoying a "Christmas miracle" resurgence that has moved them clear of the relegation scrap.
Match Details
Competition: Premier League (Matchday 18)
Kick-off: 14:00 GMT
Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland
Referee: Tony Harrington | VAR: Matt Donohue
Current Form: The Home Fortress vs. The December Surge
Sunderland: Unbeaten on Wearside
Régis Le Bris has turned the Stadium of Light into a genuine fortress. Sunderland are one of only two teams (alongside Arsenal) yet to lose a home game in the Premier League this season (W5, D3, L0). Following a gritty 0-0 draw at Brighton last week, the "Black Cats" are relying on a defensive foundation that has conceded only 17 goals in 17 matches.
Leeds United: The "Calvert-Lewin" Era
Daniel Farke’s side enters the match in their best form of the season, currently unbeaten in four matches (W2, D2). This run includes a dominant 4-1 thrashing of Crystal Palace and impressive draws against Liverpool and Chelsea. The catalyst has been Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has scored six goals in his last five matches—the longest active scoring streak in Europe's top five leagues.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Sunderland Team News
The "Black Cats" are heavily impacted by the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with five key players away.
Out (AFCON): Bertrand Traoré, Arthur Masuaku, Reinildo Mandava, Noah Sadiki, Chemsdine Talbi.
Available: Simon Adingra is expected to start after being omitted from the Ivory Coast squad. Granit Xhaka will once again captain the side from midfield.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Dubravka; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Hume; Xhaka, Geertruida; Adingra, Le Fée, Rigg; Brobbey.
Leeds United Team News
Leeds have a much shorter injury list but are still missing key experience in midfield.
Out: Sean Longstaff (Ankle), Daniel James (Hamstring).
Doubt: Lukas Nmecha has returned to training but may only make the bench.
Predicted XI (3-5-2): Perri; Rodon, Bijol, Struijk; Bogle, Aaronson, Ampadu, Stach, Guðmundsson; Calvert-Lewin, Okafor.
Head-to-Head: A Championship Rivalry Renewed
These two sides met twice last season in the Championship, with Leeds taking four points off Sunderland.
Last Meeting: Leeds 2–1 Sunderland (February 17, 2025).
Overall Record: Leeds (41 wins), Sunderland (35 wins), 21 Draws.
Premier League History: Leeds has historically dominated Sunderland in the top flight, winning eight of their last ten Premier League encounters.
Tactical Breakdown: Stability vs. Momentum
Sunderland’s Defensive Structure
Régis Le Bris has emphasized "foundations first." Sunderland often plays a compact block, looking to exploit Brian Brobbey’s strength and Enzo Le Fée’s vision on the counter. The key will be whether Granit Xhaka can control the tempo and prevent Leeds from turning the game into a high-speed transition battle.
Leeds’ Overloading Wing-Backs
Daniel Farke’s 3-5-2 relies heavily on Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Guðmundsson to provide width. By flooding the midfield with Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach, Leeds aims to win the ball back high and provide immediate service to the red-hot Calvert-Lewin.
Match Prediction
Leeds are the form team outside the top six, but Sunderland’s home record is no fluke. The "Black Cats" are exceptionally disciplined at the Stadium of Light. While Calvert-Lewin is a massive threat, Sunderland’s defensive solidity should be enough to maintain their unbeaten home streak.
Final Score Prediction: Sunderland 1–1 Leeds United
