Sunderland welcome Aston Villa to the Stadium of Light on Sunday, September 21, 2025 (16:00 local time), for a Premier League Round 5 clash. Referee Samuel Barrott will officiate what looks like a defining match for both sides.
Context
- Sunderland have impressed on their Premier League return, sitting 8th with 7 points from 4 games. Régis Le Bris has instilled tactical discipline and balance, making the Black Cats a difficult side to beat.
- Aston Villa, by contrast, are winless. They sit 19th with just 2 points and, worryingly, have yet to score a league goal this season. After finishing in the top four last year, Unai Emery is under pressure to turn things around.
Team News
Sunderland
- Key Player: Granit Xhaka – his midfield control and experience have been vital.
- Strengths: Pace of Adingra on the wing, defensive solidity from Ballard and Alderete.
- Concerns: Can Isidor provide consistent finishing against Villa’s back line?
Aston Villa
- Injuries: Emiliano Buendía and Jacob Ramsey remain sidelined.
- Key Players: Ollie Watkins up front, with creativity expected from Harvey Elliott and Morgan Rogers.
- Selection Note: Leon Bailey could return to the bench, but defensive organisation (Mings & Konsa) must be sharper.
Probable Lineups
Sunderland (4-3-3, Régis Le Bris)
GK: Anthony Moris Roefs
DEF: Trai Hume, Daniel Ballard, Omar Alderete, Reinildo Mandava
MID: Ibrahim Diarra, Granit Xhaka, Pierre Ekwah Sadiki
FWD: Nassim Talbi, Wilson Isidor, Abdoulaye Adingra
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1, Unai Emery)
GK: Emiliano Martínez
DEF: Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Lucas Digne
MID: Sil Swinkels Bogarde, Boubacar Kamara
AM: Guessand, Harvey Elliott, Morgan Rogers
ST: Ollie Watkins
Head-to-Head
- Last competitive meetings: Villa beat Sunderland twice in the 2017/18 Championship season, including a 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light.
- Sunderland last beat Villa in January 2016 (3-1, Premier League).
- Historically, Villa have edged the fixture, but Sunderland’s resurgence gives this clash a fresh outlook.
Form Guide
Sunderland (Last 5 matches, all comps):
W 3-0 West Ham | L 0-2 Burnley | W 2-1 Brentford | D 0-0 Crystal Palace | D 1-1 (Cup)
Aston Villa (Last 5 matches, all comps):
D 0-0 Newcastle | L 0-2 Bournemouth | L 0-1 Liverpool | D 0-0 Brighton | L 0-3 Arsenal
Villa remain goalless after four league games.
Tactical Outlook
- Sunderland: Compact in defence, relying on Xhaka’s distribution and Adingra’s speed to hit Villa on the counter.
- Aston Villa: Emery will want control in midfield, but unless wide players deliver quality service, Watkins may be isolated.
Prediction
Sunderland are confident, disciplined, and playing at home with momentum. Villa are struggling badly in attack and low on confidence. Unless Emery finds a spark, the Black Cats should take this.
