Leeds can move the ball through Ampadu and bring runners off both flanks, but the first contact in Sunderland's box is the hinge. Sunderland have a direct release behind those advancing wide players and several ways to reach a second receiver. The match should turn on which side gathers the loose ball after that first pass.
Xhaka and Le Fée can find Angulo, Fofana or Tuterov behind the Leeds wing-backs, then look for another arrival in the box. Sunderland's central defence is altered: Ballard missed the European match and Danso played there but is suspended for this league fixture. Leeds have their own sharper change in attacking roles. Calvert-Lewin, Stach and Okafor all played Manchester United, then became late fitness doubts, affecting the aerial target, corner delivery and front run together.
Leeds have had more recovery time, while Sunderland rotated part of their attacking core in Europe. I expect Sunderland's available passers and wide runners to keep supplying chances through the middle of the match. That's why I'm siding with Sunderland to win this contest.
