On Matchday 30 of the English Premier League on March 14, 2026, Sunderland will face Brighton & Hove Albion. These are neighboring teams in the standings, both still hopeful of qualifying for European competitions.
The “Stadium of Light” side finally managed to return to the Premier League last season—Le Bris finished his debut campaign in England with a Championship playoff victory. He is performing strongly at this higher level with his team—there is a real chance of reaching European football right away. However, at the end of winter, defeats became more frequent. After drawing with Bournemouth and beating Leeds, they surprisingly lost in the cup to modest Port Vale.
The club from the “Amex” narrowly missed out on a European return last season, finishing eighth with 61 points. They are trying to improve now, but their form remains very inconsistent. In January and February, they lost three out of four league games and crashed out of the cup after a 0-3 loss to Liverpool. However, they bounced back with a 2-0 away win at Brentford and then beat Nottingham, but succumbed to league leaders Arsenal.
The ambitious newcomers from the Championship continue to play pragmatically at a higher level: just 1.03 goals scored per game, but only 1.17 conceded. Welbeck and co. play more entertaining football: they average 1.31 goals scored but concede 1.24 per match.
Previous Matches: Sunderland vs Brighton & Hove Albion
The clubs met for the first time since 2011 last December, playing out a goalless draw.
The visitors appear to have found their form and could achieve a good result against an opponent currently declining. The tip is for an away win with a “0” handicap (odds – 1.60).
Sunderland vs Brighton & Hove Albion: Key Statistics and Trends
Sunderland have lost five of their last nine matches
45% of Sunderland’s matches end with goals from both teams, and the average total goals per match is 2.21
Brighton & Hove Albion have won two of their last three games
62% of Brighton’s matches end with goals from both teams, and the average total goals per game is 2.55.
Sunderland vs Brighton & Hove Albion: Probable Starting Lineups
Sunderland are expected to line up in a 1-4-5-1 formation: Ruifus; Reinildo, Alderete, Ballard, Mukiele; Le Fée, Sadiki, Angulo, Diarra, Hume; Brobbey. There are several injuries, notably Traoré and Mandava.
Brighton & Hove Albion are set to play a 1-4-3-3 formation: Verbruggen; Kadioglu, Dunk, van Hecke, Wieffer; Gross, Milner, Hinshelwood; Mitoma, Gomez, Welbeck. Çimas and Webster remain in the medical room.
