Key events
Team news
Dennis Cirkin replaces the injured Dan Ballard in the only change from Sunderland’s 0-0 draw at Brighton. It’s Cirkin’s Premier League debut.
Leeds – surprise, surprise – stick with the XI that hammered Crystal Palace 4-1 on Saturday.
Sunderland (possible 4-2-3-1) Roefs; Mukiele, Cirkin, Alderete, Geertruida; Hume, Xhaka; Rigg, Le Fee, Adingra; Brobbey.
Subs: Patterson, Tutierov, J Jones, Hjelde, H Jones, Neil, Mundle, Mayenda.
Leeds (3-3-2-2) Perri; Rodon, Bijol, Struijk; Bogle, Ampadu, Gudmundsson; Aaronson, Stach; Calvert-Lewin, Okafor.
Subs: Darlow, Justin, Bornaut, Harrison, Tanaka, Gruev, Gnonto, Piroe, Nmecha.
Referee Tony Harrington.
Preamble
Hello, merry betwixtmas (sic) and welcome to live, minute-by-minute coverage of Sunderland v Leeds at the Stadium of Light. Nothing sleepy about these giants, who have given the kiss of life to the concept of promotion from the Championship to the Premier League.
Sunderland are arguably the team of the season so far and will go fifth – fifth! – if they win today. Leeds may be in a relegation battle but they are full of the joys after a superb recent run of eight points in four games. Three of those games were at home, albeit to very good opposition, so Leeds’ challenge is to prove they can do it on a wet, windy day somewhere other than Elland Road.
If they do that over the next couple of months, survival will be a doddle.
Kick off 2pm.
