Leeds United prepare for Sunderland clash in US pre-season tour

By Reuben Castle — 31 July 2026 — 3 min read

Leeds United are set to face fellow Premier League side Sunderland this evening in their second match of the US pre-season tour. The game will take place in New Jersey, with kick-off scheduled for 12:30am UK time on 31 July.

Manager Daniel Farke has announced his starting lineup for the encounter. The team includes a debut for new signing Tarik Muharemović, who will make his first appearance in a Leeds shirt. Alex Cairns will continue in goal, having also started in the previous match against Wrexham.

Leeds United Lineup and Tactical Approach

The defensive line for Leeds will feature Jayden Bogle, Sebastiaan Bornauw, captain Joe Rodon, Tarik Muharemović, and Gabriel Gudmundsson. In midfield, Sean Longstaff and Ao Tanaka will form a partnership, with 17-year-old Callum Mills retaining his place 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 at the Sports Illustrated Stadium. The team’s tactical approach under Farke typically involves a possession-based system, which can fluidly switch 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, depending on the specific phase of play and available personnel.

Farke’s strategy often involves building play in a 3-1 or 3-4 shape. This allows one of the deeper central midfielders, such as Ethan Ampadu, to drop into the defensive line. This movement enables the full-backs or wing-backs to push higher up the pitch, contributing to the team’s attacking width.

When defending, Leeds typically transition into a more compact block, often resembling a 5-4-1 or a disciplined 4-5-1. This formation aims to restrict space through the central areas of the pitch. Wingers or wide players are instructed to move inside into narrow half-spaces, creating overloads in central channels and allowing 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. An advanced playmaker or mobile forward operates between the midfield and the main striker, pressing opponents and linking play. The central target or focal point of the attack is supported by narrow, high-energy wide attackers.

Sunderland’s Recent Form and Key Players

Sunderland has had a favourable record against Leeds in recent meetings, securing four points from them during the 2025/26 campaign. Over the last three seasons, Sunderland has recorded two wins, three draws, and one defeat in their six league encounters against Leeds.

The upcoming match will be streamed live for a fee on the official SAFC website and will also be broadcast on Premier Sports in the UK. For Sunderland, it will be important to monitor key Leeds United regulars such as Ethan Ampadu, Wilfried Gnonto, and Joel Piroe.

Joel Piroe, despite scoring only once against Sunderland in the previous campaign, has been a significant attacking threat for Leeds, netting 24 goals over the last three seasons. Leeds enters this match following a defeat to Championship side Wrexham in a five-goal thriller where they conceded late.

The historical rivalry between the two clubs includes the 1973 FA Cup Final, where Second Division Sunderland famously defeated First Division champions Leeds United at the old Wembley Stadium. This match remains a significant part of Sunderland’s history, a story passed down for over half a century.

The match against Sunderland is part of Leeds United’s pre-season preparations in the US, with kick-off scheduled for 12:30am UK time on 31 July.

Source: leedsunited.com