Stadium of Light hosts a clash between high-flying newcomers and survival-hungry visitors. The hosts look to build on their ninth-place standing, while the away side enters following impressive recent draws against top-tier opposition. It’s Régis Le Bris’s structured positional play against Scott Parker’s pragmatic, counter-attacking blueprint in a vital Monday afternoon Premier League fixture.
Sunderland vs Burnley Match Details at a Glance
| Match Detail | Information |
| Match | Sunderland vs Burnley |
| Venue | Stadium of Light |
| Date | February 2, 2026 |
| Time | 2:00 AM (BDT) / 1:30 AM (INR) |
| Broadcast & Live Streaming | Click here to watch the Sunderland vs Burnley live on Sports Live Hub (SLH) |
Injury News and Suspensions
Sunderland
The home side deals with defensive gaps as Ajibola Alese aims for a late January return from a shoulder issue. Arthur Masuaku and Bertrand Traoré remain sidelined until late February with ankle and knee injuries, respectively. These absences test the depth of the squad during this crucial mid-season period.
Burnley
Scott Parker’s side faces a crisis with Cullen and Amdouni out long-term. Beyer, Roberts, and Flemming hope for late January returns, while Worrall is doubtful. Mike Tresor remains out until mid-February. These mounting fitness issues significantly limit the visitors’ tactical flexibility as they fight to escape the relegation zone.
Sunderland vs Burnley Head-to-Head Records
| Matches Played | 121 |
| Sunderland Won | 48 |
| Burnley Won | 39 |
| Tied | 34 |
| First-ever Fixture | November 1, 1890 |
| Most-recent Fixture | August 25, 2025 |
Form Guide
Sunderland
Sitting ninth in the table, the Black Cats have navigated their top-flight return with remarkable tactical sophistication. Under their French manager, they emphasize structured positional play and an adaptable defensive framework. With 33 points already secured, they remain within striking distance of the European spots. Key players like Brobbey and Le Fee have been instrumental in transforming the side into a formidable force that few teams enjoy facing.
Burnley
Despite occupying nineteenth place, the Clarets have shown a gritty upturn in form throughout early 2026. Scott Parker has abandoned expansive possession for a pragmatic, transition-focused system that prioritizes defensive resilience. While they struggle with a historic winless streak and defensive lapses, their recent draws against elite opposition suggest a growing stubbornness. Relying on explosive counter-attacks and individual brilliance, they are desperately fighting for every survival point.
Key Battles
Brian Brobbey vs Axel Tuanzebe
The home striker is the focal point of a sophisticated attack, utilizing his physical strength to hold up play. His role within the structured positional system allows him to manipulate space and drag defenders out of position. His clinical finishing remains the primary threat for any backline visiting the North East.
Based on the players available, a likely key duel involves Axel Tuanzebe anchoring the away defense. His task is to neutralize the physical threat of the striker while maintaining a compact shape. His performance is vital for the pragmatic blueprint, though keeping a lid on such a powerhouse is never easy.
Enzo Le Fee vs Florentino
The midfielder serves as the creative heartbeat for the hosts, dictating the tempo with his impressive passing range. He excels at finding pockets of space between the lines to launch attacks. His technical quality is essential for maintaining structured possession, even if the opposition attempts to kick him off rhythm.
Florentino will be tasked with disrupting the host’s playmaking rhythm through relentless energy and tactical awareness. His role involves screening the back four and intercepting through-balls aimed at the front line. By stifling the creative engine, the visitors can force turnovers and launch the rapid transitions they currently rely upon.
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Tactical Outlook
The home side will deploy a tactically sophisticated 4-3-3 that prioritizes positional dominance and fluid passing. By utilizing Mukiele and Ballard for a stable build-up, they look to stretch the pitch through Mundle. Their objective is to suffocate the opposition with technical superiority, using Le Fee’s vision to unlock a deep block while maintaining an adaptable, highly organized defensive framework.
Expect the visitors to set up in a compact, low-block formation designed to frustrate the hosts. Moving away from possession-heavy roots, the Clarets focus on explosive counter-attacks through Anthony and Broja. Their success depends on defensive resilience and minimizing individual errors, aiming to exploit the space behind the home full-backs during rapid transitions whenever possession is regained in the midfield area.
Possible Playing Squad
Sunderland XI:
Roefs (GK), Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo, Xhaka, Sadiki, Hume, Le Fee, Mundle, Brobbey
Burnley XI:
Dubravka (GK), Tuanzebe, Estève, Humphreys, Walker, Ugochukwu, Florentino, Pires, Edwards, Broja, Anthony
Sunderland vs Burnley Today’s Prediction
The hosts enter as favorites due to their tactical cohesion and strong league position at the Stadium of Light. However, the visitors’ recent resilience against top sides suggests they won’t be easily dismantled. While technical superiority rests with the Black Cats, the Clarets’ transition-focused pragmatism could force a cautious stalemate.
Sunderland vs Burnley Score Prediction
Sunderland 1–1 Burnley; The hosts dominate possession through Brobbey, but the visitors snatch a point via an explosive counter-attack led by Anthony, continuing their early 2026 run of hard-fought draws.
FAQ: Premier League 2025/26
Who is the current head coach of the home side?
Régis Le Bris is the manager, having recently signed a contract extension until 2028.
Where will this Premier League fixture take place?
The match is scheduled to be played at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland.
What is the current league position of the visiting team?
The visitors currently sit in nineteenth place but have shown improved form in early 2026.
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