Alious
Sunderland and Leeds United could both head into next weekend’s Premier League showdown at the Stadium of Light without one of their most influential players, following a revealing update on the league’s disciplinary rules.
Before thoughts turn to Wearside, Leeds must first navigate this weekend’s fixture against Crystal Palace. Victory at Elland Road could open up a valuable six-point cushion above the relegation zone, depending on results elsewhere. Dominic Calvert-Lewin will also be chasing a personal milestone, hoping to become the first Leeds player since Mark Viduka in the early 2000s to score in five straight Premier League matches.
However, once that game concludes, focus will quickly shift to the festive clash with Sunderland — and it is here where both clubs could be dealt a major setback.
### Yellow-card danger for both sides
While Sunderland have enjoyed the stronger campaign overall, both teams have often adopted a compact, reactive approach, soaking up pressure and inviting physical battles. That style has come at a cost, with fouls and bookings piling up.
As things stand, **Granit Xhaka for Sunderland**, along with **Jayden Bogle and Ethan Ampadu for Leeds**, are all walking a disciplinary tightrope. Each player is currently on four yellow cards. One more caution this weekend would trigger an automatic one-match suspension, ruling them out of the Sunderland vs Leeds encounter.
For the Black Cats, losing Xhaka would be a huge blow. The midfielder has frequently been described as one of the signings of the season, providing leadership, control and consistency in the heart of midfield. His absence would significantly weaken Sunderland’s balance.
Leeds, meanwhile, would be equally concerned about the potential loss of Ampadu. The Welsh international has been central to their defensive structure, and his discipline will be under scrutiny against Palace. Any misstep could leave Daniel Farke without one of his most reliable performers for the trip to the north-east.
### When will Leeds players be in the clear?
Under Premier League regulations, a player who accumulates **five yellow cards within the first 19 league matches** receives a one-game suspension. Once a team passes that 19-game mark, the threshold increases to 10 bookings, before rising again to 15 after matchweek 32.
For Leeds, this means Bogle and Ampadu must tread carefully through a demanding run of fixtures. They still face Crystal Palace, Sunderland and Liverpool before the new year, with the latter two coming away from home — a scenario that often increases the risk of bookings.
Until then, both clubs will be anxiously watching the referee’s notebook this weekend, knowing that one yellow card could significantly reshape next week’s high-profile meeting at the Stadium of Light.
Alious
