Leeds has found their groove in December and heads into the match sitting 16th on the table, six points above West Ham United in 18th.

Farke's side is currently on a four-match unbeaten streak in the top-flight and comes into this match on the back of an impressive 4-1 win over Crystal Palace last weekend, but Farke says he and his team are not getting ahead of themselves.

"There is no replacement for this winning feeling after the game, and the good feeling after a good run of form and good run of results," Farke said.

"Not just within the group of players, but also the group of staff and in the whole club, of course, good times for everyone who is involved here for Leeds United.

"But we are also far away from losing the ground under our feet, or not to stay humble or whatever. We know it's still a long road and still many more points that we need to win, and for that, heads are only down."

As for Sunderland, it is 10 places better off than its fellow promoted side, flying high at sixth in the table with 27 points so far.

It has lost just one of its past five games – a 3-0 loss to Manchester City – and has not conceded in its past two outings, beating Newcastle United 1-0 and drawing 0-0 with Brighton and Hove Albion.

Manager Regis Le Bris is thrilled with his team's defensive solidity and is keen to keep building on that base.

"If you think about it, every phase is important for the outcome of the game. Confidence can be built through this defensive shape," he said.

"Our forwards, our wingers are really important in this part of the game, even if they can often use their energy. They are doing really well so far.

“Obviously, you need good centre-backs and a strong goalkeeper and so on, but it is a great team effort. If you think about foundations, often you start with the defensive shape, and then you work on your build-up and the progressive phase, and then you finish in your final third."