Sunderland vs Aston Villa

Kick-off: September 21 2025, 14:00 BST

Stadium: Stadium of Light

Sunderland (4-3-3)

• Goalkeeper: R. Roefs
• Defenders: T. Hume, N. Mukiele, O. Alderete, Reinildo
• Midfielders: C. Rigg, G. Xhaka, N. Sadiki
• Forwards: C. Talbi, W. Isidor, E. Le Fée

Aston Villa (4-2-3-1)

• Goalkeeper: E. Martínez
• Defenders: M. Cash, E. Konsa, T. Mings, L. Digne
• Midfielders: J. McGinn, B. Kamara, E. Buendía
• Forwards: M. Rogers, E. Guessand, O. Watkins

Sunderland will be without A. Alese due to a shoulder injury, which could impact their defensive organization. His absence may require adjustments in the back line.

Aston Villa currently has no listed missing players, presenting them with an opportunity to field their strongest team, which is crucial given their current form.

This match sees Sunderland in 8th place with 7 points, looking to solidify their position in the upper half of the table. Aston Villa, sitting in 19th with just 2 points, desperately needs a win to kickstart their season and avoid relegation concerns.

Sunderland's recent form shows a mix of results with a record of DRAW-WIN-LOSS-WIN. They have demonstrated a solid performance at home, scoring an average of 2.5 goals per game while also keeping clean sheets.

Aston Villa is struggling with recent results, recording DRAW-LOSS-LOSS-DRAW. They have yet to score in the league this season, indicating severe attacking challenges that must be addressed if they hope to turn their fortunes around.

• January 2, 2016: Sunderland 3 - 1 Aston Villa
• August 29, 2015: Aston Villa 2 - 2 Sunderland
• March 14, 2015: Sunderland 0 - 4 Aston Villa

Date: April 19 2026, 14:00 BST

Aston Villa (4-2-3-1)

• Goalkeeper: E. Martínez
• Defenders: M. Cash, E. Konsa, T. Mings, I. Maatsen
• Midfielders: A. Onana, Y. Tielemans, M. Rogers, R. Barkley, J. McGinn
• Forwards: O. Watkins

Sunderland (4-2-3-1)

• Goalkeeper: R. Roefs
• Defenders: N. Mukiele, L. O'Nien, O. Alderete, Reinildo
• Midfielders: N. Sadiki, G. Xhaka, C. Rigg, H. Diarra, E. Le Fée
• Forwards: B. Brobbey

Aston Villa has no reported missing players for this match, providing a full-strength squad for the important fixture.

Sunderland will be without A. Alese, who is sidelined due to a shoulder injury, which may impact their defensive depth.

This matchup is significant for Aston Villa as they strive to secure a Champions League position, currently sitting fourth in the league standings. Sunderland, positioned mid-table, will look to climb higher in the league with a win.

Aston Villa's form has been inconsistent lately, managing a draw and two losses in their last four matches. Their overall record in the league stands at 16 wins and 9 losses from 32 games, with an average of 1.3 goals scored per match.

Sunderland, on the other hand, has shown resilience with two recent victories before a loss. Their total record reflects a balanced campaign, with 12 wins from 32 matches, but their away form remains a concern with only 4 wins out of 16.

• September 21, 2025: Sunderland 1 - 1 Aston Villa
• January 2, 2016: Sunderland 3 - 1 Aston Villa
• August 29, 2015: Aston Villa 2 - 2 Sunderland
• March 14, 2015: Sunderland 0 - 4 Aston Villa