The Stadium of Light will play host to a top of the table clash as Leeds United travel to face Sunderland. Separated by only three points, it’s quite a jam of six teams who can end the week in first, but Sunderland will stay atop the table if they secure a victory on Friday. Both are in good form but one player who will have a key role in the outcome will be American Brenden Aaronson.
A versatile player who has done a little bit of everything over the years, Aaronson has been strictly playing as a number 10 to get the best out of Leeds United’s dynamic attack this season. He used strong substitute appearances to break into the XI where he has been able to set up those around him. While Aaronson has only created seven chances this season, he doesn’t need to create a ton because the Whites funnel their attacks from wide.
It’s a different role than Aaronson is used to as most of Leeds’ chances come through Junior Firpo and Willy Gnonto but he has still thrived creating the fourth most chances of anyone on the team while also applying defensive pressure to force the opposition into turnovers. That’s something that Sunderland’s young attack will need to be on the lookout for since Aaronson and Mateo Joseph will put plenty of pressure on their defense and any mistake can quickly be turned into a goal.
Moving into a consistent position has allowed Aaronson to know what is expected of him and make things happen in Daniel Farke’s setup. A victory over Sunderland would go a long way for Leeds to announce their promotion intentions and Aaronson will be central to what they do.
How to watch and odds
- Date: Friday, Oct. 4 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Stadium of Light — Sunderland, England
- TV: CBS Sports Network | Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Sunderland +190; Draw +220; Leeds United +140
