Leeds United prepare for Sunderland clash in US pre-season tour
Leeds United is set to face fellow Premier League side Sunderland this evening in the second match of their pre-season tour in the United States. The game will take place at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey.
Manager Daniel Farke has announced the starting lineup for Leeds, which includes a debut for new signing Tarik Muharemović. Muharemović will feature in a defensive role alongside Jayden Bogle, Sebastiaan Bornauw, captain Joe Rodon, and Gabriel Gudmundsson. Alex Cairns will continue in goal, having also started in the previous match against Wrexham.
In midfield, Sean Longstaff and Ao Tanaka will form a partnership, with 17-year-old Callum Mills retaining his position after a strong performance in the last outing. Harry Wilson is also set to make his first start, linking up with forward Lukas Nmecha, who will lead the attack for Leeds.
The team’s tactical approach under Farke typically involves a possession-based system, which can shift between a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 formation and a back-three structure, such as a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2. This flexibility depends on the specific phase of play and the available personnel.
Farke’s strategy often includes building play in a 3-1 or 3-4 shape. This involves one of the deeper central midfielders, such as captain Ethan Ampadu, dropping into the defensive line. This movement allows the full-backs or wing-backs to advance high up the pitch, contributing to the team’s attacking width.
Defensively, Leeds typically transition into a more compact block, often resembling a 5-4-1 or a disciplined 4-5-1 formation. This setup is designed to restrict space through the central areas of the pitch, making it difficult for opponents to penetrate.
Wingers or wide players are instructed to move into narrow half-spaces, aiming to create overloads in central channels. This tactic also opens up room for overlapping full-backs or wing-backs to deliver crosses from wider positions. A holding midfield pair is tasked with maintaining possession and protecting the central defenders, while an advanced playmaker or mobile forward operates between the midfield and the main striker to press and connect play. A central target player is then supported by narrow, high-energy wide attackers.
Recent Rivalry and Key Players
Sunderland has had a positive record against Leeds in recent encounters. During the 2025/26 campaign, The Black Cats secured four points from their matches against Leeds. Over the last three seasons, Sunderland has recorded two wins, three draws, and one defeat in their six league meetings with Leeds.
A notable historical chapter in this rivalry is the 1973 FA Cup Final. In this match, Second Division Sunderland famously defeated First Division champions Leeds United at the old Wembley Stadium, an event that remains a significant part of Sunderland’s history.
For Sunderland, it will be important to monitor key Leeds United players such as Ethan Ampadu, Wilfried Gnonto, and Joel Piroe. Piroe, who scored once against Sunderland in the previous campaign, has accumulated 24 goals over the last three seasons for Leeds, making him a significant attacking threat.
Leeds enters this match following a defeat to Championship side Wrexham in a five-goal thriller, where they conceded a late goal. This result from their previous pre-season fixture adds another layer to the context of tonight’s game.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 12:30am for viewers in the UK on 31 July. It will be streamed live for a fee on the official SAFC website and will also be broadcast on Premier Sports in the UK.
Leeds United Starting XI and Substitutes
The announced starting lineup for Leeds United against Sunderland features a mix of established players and new additions. The defensive unit includes Alex Cairns in goal, with Jayden Bogle, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Joe Rodon, Tarik Muharemović, and Gabriel Gudmundsson across the back line.
The midfield will be anchored by Sean Longstaff and Ao Tanaka, with Callum Mills also featuring. The attacking players include Harry Wilson and Lukas Nmecha leading the line. This selection indicates Farke’s intention to integrate new talent while maintaining a core of experienced players.
The substitutes available for Leeds United include goalkeepers Mahady and Ombang. Other players on the bench are Ampadu, James, Piroe, Stach, Justin, Gnonto, Crew, Chadwick, Cresswell, Lane, Lienou, and Pickles. This provides Farke with various options for tactical adjustments during the match.
The pre-season tour in the US provides an opportunity for the squad to prepare for the upcoming season, with this match against Sunderland being a key part of their preparations.
Source: leedsunited.com
Nathan Crowley is the Sports News Writer at NewsUK, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with six years of reporting experience. He moved from regional newspapers into digital sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Cardiff University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Cardiff, he plays amateur rugby and follows the Six Nations closely. “Speed and accuracy are not a trade-off in sport news.”
