The Black Cats have had an inconsistent winter but remain formidable on their own turf, where they have yet to lose a single league game this season. Manager Régis Le Bris will be looking for a clinical response following a bruising away defeat last weekend. While the absence of key midfielders remains a concern, Sunderland’s tactical organisation has allowed them to thrive at home, often wearing opponents down with late scoring surges. A win tonight would firmly put them in the conversation for European qualification.
Sunderland Team News
Régis Le Bris manages a squad currently hit by significant absences in the heart of the midfield. Notably, Granit Xhaka remains sidelined with an ankle injury and is expected to miss at least the next three weeks. Bertrand Traoré and Jocelyn Ta Bi are also confirmed absentees. Consequently, the manager is likely to persist with a 4-3-3 structure that emphasises midfield control.
Robin Roefs will start in goal, protected by a central defensive partnership of Daniel Ballard and Omar Alderete. In midfield, Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra are expected to provide the defensive screen, allowing Enzo Le Fée the freedom to progress the ball. Brian Brobbey will lead the attack in excellent form, boasting the squad’s best minutes-per-goal ratio after netting three times in his last four games. Notably, all five of Brobbey’s league goals this term have arrived after the 60th minute.
Sunderland Predicted Lineup
Sunderland predicted XI: Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Cirkin; Diarra, Sadiki; Hume, Le Fee, Talbi; Brobbey
When will the match kick off?
The Premier League fixture takes place at the Stadium of Light on Monday, 2 February 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT.
How to watch Sunderland vs Burnley?
In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event. Coverage begins at 19:00 GMT on television and via the Sky Go app.
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