Sunderland host Leeds at the Stadium of Light on October 25 in Regular Season - 8 of the Premier League, a matchday where the shape of the season is starting to emerge. The table makes for a stark contrast: Sunderland are 19th, while Leeds are 7th. That gap gives the fixture real weight for both sides, with one trying to climb away from the bottom of the standings and the other trying to stay in the upper half.

The primary factor is form in league play. Sunderland's three most recent Premier League matches, in Rounds 5, 6 and 7, all ended in defeat: 5-3 at Manchester City on September 20, 0-2 at home to Brighton on October 10, and 2-0 at Bournemouth on October 18. That is three goals scored and nine conceded across those games. Leeds have been steadier, taking one win and two draws from their last four league matches. Those were a 4-1 home win over Newcastle on September 14, a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace on September 20, a 2-1 defeat at Arsenal on October 10 and a 1-1 draw with Manchester United on October 18.

The secondary factor is schedule and head-to-head history. Sunderland played a UEFA Europa League match at Torreense on October 15, between their October 10 and October 18 league fixtures, so they have carried European commitments alongside the league. In the last ten meetings between these clubs, Sunderland and Leeds have each won three and four have been drawn. Leeds won the most recent one 1-0 on July 30, while Sunderland won 1-0 at Elland Road on March 3.

Neither side has any reported unavailable players, so both managers, R. Le Bris and D. Farke, should have full