Sunderland legend Gary Bennett has warned Leeds United over his former side's capabilities ahead of their crunch Championship clash on Monday (8pm kick-off).

Daniel Farke's side will host the Championship promotion rivals at Elland Road with seven points separating the sides. United ran out 4-0 winners over Watford on Tuesday night while Sunderland returned to winning ways against Luton Town.

The WHites, who have picked up momentum in the last few weeks, look to keep their record intact against Sunderland, having not conceded in their last five league games. Elland Road has also been a fortress for Daniel Farke's side this term, where they have picked up 36 points from 12 matches.

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However, Bennett suggests that Sunderland have improved a lot since the 2-2 draw between the sides back in October. "Leeds are the best team that we’ve seen at the Stadium of Light. They’re the best team we’ve come up against but I think we’ve developed," Bennett said on BBC Radio Newcastle.

"I think we’re a better team now than when we played them. I think we’re much more of a threat and we’ve got a lot more understanding. Look at the starting eleven… it’s maybe one or two changes here and there."

The Black Cats meanwhile, have only won half of their last 10 games, though are not are risk of getting leapfrogged by fifth-placed Blackburn Rovers if they lose on Monday. Rovers are currently 14 points behind Sunderland.

At the top of the table is where things are bit more congested, however. Should Leeds fail to pick up points against Regis Le Bris' side, Sheffield United could move to the summit with a win at Luton.

Elsewhere, only three points separates third-placed Burnley from Sheffield. They too, could be leapfrogged if they fail to beat Luton and Burnley claim a win at Preston on the weekend.