Leeds United v Sunderland: Leeds’ Farke expects tight game against Sunderland

Leeds and Sunderland, along with Sheffield United and Burnley, have broken clear at the top of the league.

Only seven points separate Leeds in second and the Black Cats, who are fourth, and Farke told BBC Radio Leeds that he has not been surprised by Sunderland’s success this season.

“Sunderland are a brave side and can score goals from all positions. It’s important to control the offensive players and counter attacks,” he said.

“Regis [Le Bris] is an experienced manager and proven over his career. They have quality individuals, players with youth and energy, and players with experience at this level who lead the group.

“They play with enthusiasm and fire. It will be a tight game.”

Since making that high-profile error deep into added time in October, Meslier has kept 15 clean sheets in 23 matches and Farke paid tribute to his hard work, saying he has “the highest standards”.

“He is focused every day and settled. This is what you have to do in a side that dominates games and he has to make a first save after 60-70 minutes so you have to be switched on,” he said.

“He’s played a major part with many clean sheets. It’s very impressive but its always what we expect from him. He was in last season’s Championship team of the season so was the best goalkeeper in the league so we expect this consistency.

“If you want to be successful in this league you need a top goalkeeper and that is what he delivers and hopefully he continues in this form.”