Paul Merson delivers score prediction for 'humongous' Sunderland clash vs Leeds United
Sunderland host Leeds United in the Premier League this weekend
Paul Merson has backed Sunderland to win their “humongous” Premier League clash with Leeds United on Sunday afternoon.
The Black Cats play host to Daniel Farke’s men for the first time since both sides were in the Championship last season, and will be hoping to extend their current unbeaten run to three matches, having triumphed in the Wear-Tyne Derby against Newcastle United earlier this month and drawing 0-0 with Brighton and Hove Albion away from home last time out.
For their part, Leeds are on a run of four matches without defeat, bookending draws against Liverpool and Brentford with victories over Chelsea and Crystal Palace in recent weeks. That ongoing hot streak has helped them to open up a six-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone following a sluggish start to the campaign.
In particular, the goal-scoring purple patch of Dominic Calvert-Lewin has proven to be a timely boost for the Whites, with the summer signing netting six times in last five matches. And while Merson has been quick to acknowledge the striker’s impact of late, he is still of the belief that Sunderland will have too much for their visitors.
What did Paul Merson say about Sunderland vs Leeds United?
Looking ahead to Sunday’s clash in the North East in his weekly predictions column for Sportskeeda, Merson said: “This is a humongous game for both teams. Leeds are flying at the moment. It's weird how things change so quickly in football. Not too long ago, they were 2-0 down at [Manchester] City and it looked like their season was going nowhere.
“But just look at them now. If they can maintain this form, I don't think it's beyond them to avoid relegation. We've known Dominic Calvert-Lewin for many years. He's a top player and if he stays fit, Leeds always have a chance.
“Everton will be pulling their hair out thinking why they let Calvert-Lewin go. He's scoring goals week in, week out now. Imagine him leading the line for Everton with [Jack] Grealish, [Kiernan] Dewsbury-Hall, and [Iliman] Ndiaye behind him? That would have been exciting.
“Sunderland are missing a lot of key players due to the AFCON. I saw them last weekend and thought they did well to not lose that game. I think they will return to winning ways here.”
Merson has forecast a 2-1 win for Sunderland.
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What else has been said about Sunderland vs Leeds United?
Merson is not the only pundit to back Sunderland in their bid to claim all three points this weekend, with both Jeff Stelling and Chris Sutton opting for 1-0 home wins in their respective predictions.
Stelling in particular said: “Sunday at two o’clock, Sunderland face Leeds. Well, Sunderland have made the Stadium of Light a real fortress, haven’t they, while Leeds’ away form is still a cause for concern.
“But this is a Sunderland side with half-a-dozen players unavailable due to the African Cup of Nations. There’ll be another great atmosphere at the Stadium of Light, no doubt about that, with two of the most raucous sets of fans in the Premier League. I think one goal will be enough to decide this. Sunderland 1-0 Leeds.”
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