After four straight defeats, Leeds are on a current unbeaten run of four games, beating Chelsea and Palace – what has sparked an upturn in form?
A change in tactical formation from the 4-3-3 to 3-5-2 during
half-time at the Etihad has transformed Leeds and made them much more difficult and unpredictable to play against.
A 4-2-3-1/4-1-4-1 switch again against Liverpool was effective and then against Crystal Palace Leeds played 5-3-2 out of possession and then 4-3-3 in possession with Joe Rodon marauding up the right wing like a winger.
Daniel Farke was under incredible pressure in November. Has your recent run stabilised things with the fanbase?
There’s definitely a turnaround in appreciation for Farke because he has shown he can adapt.
When you mention Leeds at the moment, Dominic Calvert-Lewin usually is in the next sentence. With 7 goals now this season, what has prompted his brilliant form of late?
He has settled in, developing better chemistry with his teammates who are now used to knowing where he will be on the pitch. And then the evolution of our set pieces which have begun to cause teams a lot of problems.
While Leeds have been solid at Elland Road, on the road points have been hard to come by. What are the key factors behind this?
Only during Covid – when crowds weren’t in grounds – was home advantage not a factor. Elland Road is vociferous cauldron, at its best it can intimidate anyone.
Leeds aren’t awful away from home and have been unlucky not to get more points losing goals in injury time and falling to narrow defeats or draws. Elland Road has given the team that little edge at times.
Like Sunderland, Leeds signed a vast range of new players in the summer. Who would you say has impressed most (CL aside) and who has been underwhelming?
Gabriel Gudmundsson has been a revelation at left back. There are questions marks around his defending at times but mostly he has been fantastic.
Special mention to Anton Stach also who I think will be a really pivotal player for us. Sebastian Bornauw has been notably absent.
Aside from your new signings, which of the players who helped you to achieve promotion last season have stepped up well at Premier League level?
Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu have looked like they have been Premier League mainstays for years.
If you were Regis Le Bris setting up to beat Leeds, what would you do?
I would make sure that set pieces are defended well and transitions. Leeds are first in the Premier League for shots created from defensive actions and are first for goals scored from set-pieces.
Sunderland should also be prepared to adapt their play to combat different base formations in different phases of play.
How has Leeds’ style changed compared to when we faced one another last season?
In the Championship Leeds had the most expensive squad and wage bill and were expected to storm the division and so didn’t change their tactics, they were also worse at set plays.
This year Leeds are a more physically imposing side, playing more counter-attacking football and are fantastic at set pieces.
Obviously a goalkeeping error from Meslier gave you guys a point last season and substitutes Struijk and Rothwell combined twice at Elland Road. It may be that set pieces play a part again but both teams are so different compared to last season that I’m not sure what can be drawn from last years games.
Are any players missing and who do you think will start?
Leeds have a few injuries but I believe the starting lineup won’t change.
(3-5-2) Perri (GK) – Rodon, Bijol, Strujik – Bogle, Aaronson, Ampadu, Stach, Gudmundsson – Okafor, Calvert-Lewin.
When the two sides last met at the Stadium of Light Illan Meslier gifted us a late equaliser – what is your score prediction for this time around?
Sunderland 1 Leeds United 2.
I have to back my team but I want to give you guys high praise. Not just on the pitch but off it as well.
Sunderland are a proper club. There are a lot of teams in the Premier League that I don’t think showcase English football. Teams like Brighton, Bournemouth, Brentford.. to me they’re just not historically ‘big’ clubs in my mind.
There is also no comparison to the atmosphere at grounds like the Stadium of Light or Elland Road and other places. Our clubs share a similar passion and I know it will be a very difficult place to go – you guys will make it hostile and I respect that – that is what football should be.
I hope you guys continue to push on and good luck for 36 games this year.
