Pardew shares Sunderland promotion prediction after Leeds draw
Sunderland and Leeds United have been tipped to be involved in a promotion race by former Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew.
This comes after the two sides battled it out for a point in a 2-2 draw on Friday (4 October), a game in which a 97th-minute howler by Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier gifted the hosts an equaliser.
Pardew was full of praise for the Black Cats after another impressive home performance in which 17-year-old Chris Rigg was on the scoresheet.
Talking on talkSPORT, (6 October, 8:23pm), Pardew said: “We’re talking about two teams who could get promoted.
“Are Sunderland going to be involved in it? I think they are. Leeds definitely are. Those two points could be absolutely crucial.”
A big point for Sunderland against Leeds United
Home form is crucial in any league but especially in the Championship with the high number of points available to pick up, and the Mackems have made a fantastic start when it comes to that with the Black Cats unbeaten in their opening five, winning four and drawing the other.
Leeds are also the only side to score against Regis Le Bris’ side at the Stadium of Light.
Come the end of the season, Sunderland could very possibly look back on results like the recent one against Leeds as crucial to prevent the sides around them from gaining any ground at the top of the table, so long as they get results against those below them.
When it comes to ability in the squad, very few teams (if any) can match that of Leeds United and if Sunderland are to maintain their consistency, it should be an exciting and rewarding season for the Black Cats.
In other Sunderland news, Sunderland could be reunited with Jordan Henderson this January as the former academy graduate edges closer to Ajax exit
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