Leeds United will have to show their deep-squad mettle against a team sitting bottom of the table

Leeds United will be spying this game as their best chance so far to get three points post-international break.

The Black Cats currently sit bottom of the table with just one win to their name and have had to travel to Poland in their Europa League tie on Thursday. No Premier League team can be under-estimated, of course.

But if Leeds are to get their first league away win since the opening day, it might be this weekend, as opposed to Bournemouth next weekend. As Gabriel Gudmundsson has said, Leeds will want revenge too.

Sunderland were one of only a few sides to win at Elland Road last season, and that was via a scruffy penalty handball call against Ethan Ampadu. This weekend is definitely a chance, albeit the team news dents that hope.

Injured parties

There were rumours that the striker had picked up an injury after the Manchester United game, striking fear into some social media users of a Leeds persuasion. Farke confirmed his injury on Thursday.

The striker is suffering from a bruised foot from a tackle late on against Manchester United. He is unlikely to feature, therefore, against the Black Cats from the start but the nature of his setback suggests his recovery time might not be too lengthy.

Calvert-Lewin has been so vital to Leeds since his arrival but particularly this season so far; five goals in nine games across all competitions is a fantastic start. Lukas Nmecha - yet to start a Premier League game this season - now takes the mantle this weekend.

Leeds may also have to cope without Anton Stach - who has a foot issue - and probably without Noah Okafor, who has hurt his adductor muscle again. That would mean minutes for some bench players.

Usage of subs and considering rotation

One concern amongst fans is the seeming gap of quality between the starting XI and the bench. Also, Farke has started the same XI for the past five matches and there is a danger he becomes too predictable.

The issue is that those bench players have not done much to excite; albeit in the case of Jean-Matteo, he has not been given much chance to, amid his total of five minutes of action so far.

There is the risk of falling into a dangerous cycle; substitutes lack match sharpness, thereby cannot reach the required levels when they come on and Farke is forced to stick with his XI out of fear of weakening the team.

But will be forced to rotate on Sunday given the spate of injuries up top. Harry Wilson has get to kick into gear but could be handed his best chance to impress this weekend.

Does he start Bahoya? Trend suggests it is most likely Brenden Aaronson, especially away from home.

Nmecha will be under the spotlight too. Leeds' squad will be tested and Farke's small-squad preference will be put under the microscope.

Keeping the momentum

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A win is quite important for momentum’s sake. While Leeds have played two Champions League clubs, including the champions of England, in their past two matches the reality is that the club are winless in three games.

Performances have been of a very good standard in the main but it is points that matter, and on Sunday, there will be fewer excuses if a win is not earned. Ultimately, Leeds have just two points from their last three games.

And they have only scored more than once in a Premier League fixture just once; the 4-1 night game against Newcastle United. A draw on Wearside is not a bad result.

But it would mean, for all of United’s good work so far, just two wins have been accumulated from the first eight games. And at this level, momentum is everything. There is a chance it becomes destabilised with an adverse result.