Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris on Leeds United and Sunday’s Premier League visit of the Whites to the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has made a declaration of praise for Leeds United but with a confident Black Cats prediction ahead of Sunday’s Premier League showdown at the Stadium of Light.

Leeds and Sunderland were promoted together from the 2024-25 Championship but in very different circumstances, Daniel Farke’s Whites going up as champions but the Black Cats eventually joining them through the play-offs after their fourth-placed finish.

Sunderland had finished 24 points behind Leeds but the Black Cats then enjoyed a particularly impressive first season back in the Premier League as they soared to a seventh-placed finish and qualification for the Europa League.

The Wearsiders finished seven points and seven places higher than Leeds but the Whites are now faring much the best after seven games of the new campaign, Farke’s men sat seventh but Sunderland bottom with only four points.

Le Bris, though, says he is “pretty sure” his team will be rewarded soon despite his praise for Sunday’s visitors Leeds who he says have “always” been a good side in recent years.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference and as quoted by Sunderland’s official website, Le Bris said: “Leeds are always a good side, from the Championship and now in the Premier League.

“They have built early-season momentum, but it is a new opportunity for us. We have a good mix of young and experienced players, and I am pretty sure we will be rewarded soon.

“It is important to stay resilient and show the character of the team.

“We have not liked the feeling recently, but it is a good experience and it can be the driver to get better. The challenge will raise our level.

“We have been through difficult situations before. The last five games in the Championship, for example, and we came out the other side.

“It is about reacting well and staying consistent.

“We have to stay connected with the scenario and the events. Overall, it is important for me to keep the consistency and lead the group.

“It is not about the opponent; it is about us and the choices we are making. The reality is that you can have a poor run. We are in this situation, but we will be stronger for it.”