Leeds vs Sunderland Prediction: Another slow start for the Black Cats?

Leeds United were narrowly beaten by Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday as they seek an immediate response at home when Sunderland travel to Yorkshire on Tuesday (19:30 GMT, TNT Sports 2). The Black Cats ended their three-game losing streak to take a point from AFC Bournemouth last time out.

Read on for my Leeds vs Sunderland predictions, accompanied by the latest match odds and team news.

Team News

Noah Okafor and Joe Rodon (both hamstring) are Leeds' two confirmed absentees due to injury. The latter was withdrawn at the weekend and replaced by Jaka Bijol, who is expected to take Rodon's place in the XI against Sunderland.

Daniel Farke might decide to stick with the same team other than that one change, but he could consider Sean Longstaff for some fresh legs in the middle of the park.

Football Odds

Sunderland are set to be without the services of Nordi Mukiele (unspecified), Reinildo (knee), Djiamgone Jocelin Ta Bi (ankle), Brian Brobbey, Romaine Mundle and Dennis Cirkin (all knocks) on Tuesday.

Eliezer Mayenda led the line in place of Brobbey at Bournemouth and bagged his second league goal of the season. Regis Le Bris is expected to stick with the young attacker in midweek, much to the frustration of Wilson Isidor.

Nilson Angulo looked bright from the bench in Dorset, but he may once again be used as an impact substitute for the Black Cats.

Today's Football Fixtures

Leeds vs Sunderland Odds

Leeds have won five of their past 10 home games in the Premier League and you can back the home success at 10/11.

The draw is available at 12/5, and that came in at the Stadium of Light when they last met in December.

Sunderland have managed just two wins from 14 away matches this term and it's 3/1 for them to prevail at Elland Road.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is Leeds' top scorer in the league with 10 goals, one of which came against Tuesday's visitors. The striker is the 6/5 favourite to find the net on this occasion.

Total Goals - Over 2.5 @ 11/10

While I do think Leeds are in a good position to win this game, their price to win isn't particularly attractive thanks to Sunderland's away record. Now, the goals market is where value can be found for this clash.

Over 2.5 goals is an appealing selection for Tuesday because six of Sunderland's past eight league matches have seen a minimum of three goals scored. This includes three of the Black Cats' last four road trips.

This threshold has been reached in three of Leeds' previous five outings in the top flight, two of which have come at Elland Road. Additionally, two of the last three meetings between these two sides have produced over 2.5 goals. So I think it's worth grabbing some popcorn for this one.

First Team To Score - Leeds @ 4/6

Leeds have proven to be strong starters when playing at home in the league this term. This is hardly surprising given the atmosphere the supporters regularly generate at Elland Road. It usually rouses the players and intimidates the opposition.

In eight of the Whites' 14 home Premier League matches this campaign, they have been the team to break the deadlock. I think they will continue this trend against Sunderland, who rank as one of the worst-performing away teams in the division.

The Black Cats have scored just seven goals on their travels, so more often than not they are the team who concede first when playing away. However, this has been a recurring theme for Le Bris' men both home and away in recent months.

The visitors head to LS11 having conceded first in seven of their last nine league fixtures, including three of their most recent four.

Bet Builder Winnings Bonus

Opt in req. Bet Builder single (3/1+) on selected matches. 3+ legs. 30% cash winnings bonus. No pre-built Builders. Paid in 24hrs. £20 max stake. Max one bonus per customer. T&Cs Apply.

Sports Welcome Offer

New customers only. Deposit via Debit Card & place first bet £10+ (1/1+) on Sports in 7 days. £30 Sports & £20 Acca Free Bets within 10 hrs of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility, payment excl. & T&Cs Apply.

You can read all our latest Football Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights content hub.