Sunderland head into Friday's Premier League Summer Series fixture against Leeds United in New Jersey still searching for a first win in the tournament after a 4-2 defeat by Liverpool in Nashville. The club, which finished sixth in the Premier League last season and will compete in the Europa League, travelled to the United States following a 5-1 pre-season victory over York City on 28 July.
Early impressions and squad continuity
Manager Régis Le Bris fielded an XI in Tennessee that will look familiar to supporters: most of the side that secured promotion to the top flight in 2024-25 featured, with only three names singled out as not having been part of that promotion squad — Reinildo, Nordi Mukiele and goalkeeper Melker Ellborg. The club has also completed key transfers with captain Granit Xhaka committing his future to the Stadium of Light and defender Thomas Meunier arriving on a free transfer.
Summer Series context and Leeds' preparations
The Summer Series brings together a mix of Premier League and Championship opposition; Leeds began their campaign with a defeat to Wrexham, losing 3-2 after Kieffer Moore's early strike and further goals from Bailey Cadamarteri and Sam Smith secured the win for Phil Parkinson's side. Leeds' forward line in that match featured Wilfried Gnonto, the unsettled Joel Piroe and academy prospect Callum Mills, a combination that struggled to impose itself.
What to watch on the pitch
- Centre of midfield: Sunderland will look to retain the control that powered their league finish; the understanding between creative players will be tested against a Leeds side reshaping under Daniel Farke.
- Forward options: Leeds appeared light in attack against Wrexham — whether they reinforce that line for this fixture will be significant.
- Goalkeeping and defensive shape: Ellborg's minutes and handling of the ball at his feet were noted as areas for attention during pre-season.
| Recent friendlies | Result |
|---|---|
| Sunderland v York City (28 July) | 5-1 to Sunderland |
| Sunderland v Liverpool (Nashville) | 4-2 to Liverpool |
| Leeds v Wrexham | 3-2 to Wrexham |
The match will be an early opportunity for both managers to assess squad depth ahead of a demanding season: Sunderland balancing Premier League commitments with the Europa League, and Leeds preparing for a Championship campaign with promotion ambitions. For Black Cats supporters, there is interest not only in results but in how new and returning personnel will fit into Le Bris’s system ahead of competitive fixtures.
Kick-off is scheduled for Friday morning local time at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey as the Premier League Summer Series continues to give both clubs a competitive platform on their pre-season tour.
