The pundits have had their say on the big game

The fact Leeds United could be heading to Sunderland without their established front three puts a different complexion on Sunday afternoon's game.

Sunderland have lost their last four Premier League games and sit bottom of the table with just four points to show from their seven matches so far. Having picked up a point at Lech Poznan on Thursday night in the Europa League, they'll be boosted by putting the most recent league loss behind them.

That, coupled with some injured players coming back and Leeds potentially being without three key players of their own in Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Anton Stach and Noah Okafor, may tip the balance in the favour of the hosts when it comes to predicting who will win.

Opinion still seems divided on who is the favourite in this game, with former team-mates Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton unable to agree on the result. Here's what the pair had to say on the match.

Alan Shearer, speaking to Betfair

"Sunderland are struggling, one reason is because of Europe, and one reason is because they haven't got Brian Brobbey in there, he's been out injured. I don't know whether he'll be back at the weekend.

"It's no surprise, I said that they'll struggle this season because of the size of the squad that they've got. One of the players came out and criticised their performance and their hunger last weekend. But again, they'll need a reaction. I’m not sure they'll get it. I mean, the Leeds fans will come up in their thousands. So, I'm going to go away win Leeds."

Prediction: Leeds win

Chris Sutton, for BBC Sport

"Maybe we will see a reaction from Sunderland here, but I still don't see them winning this because Leeds are battle-hardened and are a good team too.

"They weren't at their best against Manchester United but still picked up a point, and they won't be leaving the Stadium of Light empty-handed."