Three key players at risk of missing Sunderland vs Leeds after Premier League reveal
Both Sunderland and Leeds could be without one of their star performers ahead of next weekend’s encounter at the Stadium of Light.
Leeds United face Crystal Palace this weekend, knowing that a win could take them six points clear of the relegation zone, depending on results elsewhere.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is looking to make history by becoming the first player to score in five consecutive Premier League games for the Whites since Mark Viduka back in the early 2000’s.
However, after that, attention will turn to the Christmas encounter with Sunderland, and depending on what happens this weekend, both sides could suffer a huge blow.
Suspensions loom for Leeds and Sunderland
Sunderland have certainly had the better season to date, but both sides have largely sat back and absorbed pressure from their opponents, often leading to more fouls conceded.
As a result, both Sunderland and Leeds have had their fair share of yellow cards, with Granit Xhaka, Jayden Bogle and Ethan Ampadu leading the way in terms of cautions picked up.
They’re on four yellow cards, and if they receive a booking this weekend, they will miss next week’s clash at the Stadium of Light.
For Sunderland, that would be a major blow, given that Xhaka has often been hailed as the signing of the season.
However, for Leeds to lose Ampadu, that would also hurt their chances of a result on Wearside, with the Welshman needing to be careful against the Eagles at Elland Road.
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When will Leeds duo be safe from suspension?
Premier League rules state that five yellow cards within the first 19 games of a season will result in a one-match suspension.
After that 19th game has concluded, the threshold is lifted to 10 yellow cards, before again being lifted to 15 yellow cards after matchweek 32.
For Leeds, that would mean that Bogle and Ampadu would have to avoid a booking between now and the new year, with clashes against Palace, Sunderland and Liverpool approaching.
The latter two are away from home.
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