Leeds United faces Sunderland in pre-season friendly
Leeds United is scheduled to play against fellow Premier League side Sunderland in a pre-season friendly. This match marks the second outing for Leeds United during their pre-season tour in the US.
The fixture is set to kick off at 7:30 PM on July 30, 2026. Viewers in the UK can watch the action starting at 12:30 AM. Both clubs are continuing their preparations for the upcoming 2026-27 campaign.
Team News and Preparations
For Leeds United, manager Daniel Farke has named his team to face Sunderland. The lineup includes Tarik Muharemović making his first appearance for the club. The starting eleven features Cairns in goal, with a defence comprising Jayden Bogle, Sebastiaan Bornauw, captain Joe Rodon, Muharemović, and Gabriel Gudmundsson.
In midfield, Sean Longstaff is partnered with Ao Tanaka, and Callum Mills, aged 17, retains his place. Harry Wilson is also making his first start, linking up with forward Lukas Nmecha, who will lead the line. The substitutes for Leeds United include Mahady, Ombang, Ampadu, James, Piroe, Stach, Justin, Gnonto, Crew, Chadwick, Cresswell, Lane, Lienou, and Pickles.
Leeds United has been active in the transfer market, with ongoing negotiations for a permanent deal for goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City. The club has also emerged as a contender to sign former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt on a free transfer.
Sunderland arrives in confident spirits following a strong finish to the 2025-26 Premier League season, which included a victory against Chelsea in their final league fixture. They also secured a 5-1 pre-season win over York City. Manager Regis Le Bris has stated his intention to keep the squad together, ruling out a move for Granit Xhaka to Chelsea.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head
Leeds United‘s recent form across their last five matches has been mixed. Their most recent pre-season fixture resulted in a 2-3 defeat against Wrexham. Prior to that, their last Premier League match ended in a 3-0 defeat to West Ham United. However, they had earlier secured victories against Brighton (1-0) and Burnley (3-1), and drew 1-1 with Tottenham.
Sunderland has shown stronger form in their last five outings. They began their pre-season with a 5-1 win over York City, although their most recent friendly saw them lose 4-2 to Liverpool. In the final stages of the Premier League season, Sunderland defeated Chelsea 2-1 and Everton 3-1, and drew 0-0 with Manchester United.
In their head-to-head encounters, Sunderland secured a 1-0 victory against Leeds United at Elland Road on March 3, 2026, in the Premier League. Before that, the teams drew 1-1 when Sunderland hosted Leeds in December 2025. Across their last five meetings, which include three Championship fixtures from the 2024-25 season, Leeds has one win, Sunderland has two wins, and two matches ended in a draw.
Both teams will use this friendly to give playing time to various players and enhance their match sharpness as the Premier League season approaches.
The match between Leeds United and Sunderland will kick-off at 7:30 PM on July 30, 2026.
Source: leedsunited.com