Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland meet in North London on Sunday afternoon for a high-stakes encounter.
Both sides started 2026 with stalemates and now seek a vital victory to ignite their respective campaigns. Thomas Frank’s Spurs return home following a “bore draw” against Brentford, while Sunderland arrive full of confidence after holding Manchester City to an “absorbing” 0-0 draw.
Currently, these teams occupy very different positions in the Premier League table. Sunderland sit in seventh place, remarkably just three points off the Champions League spots. Conversely, Tottenham linger in the bottom half of the table, burdened by a club-record 11 home league defeats during 2025. While Spurs have kept four clean sheets in their last six matches, they must find a clinical edge to appease a frustrated fanbase.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Sunderland – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Sunday, 4 January 2026
- Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
- Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
- Referee: Stuart Attwell
- VAR: Michael Salisbury
- Last Meeting: Sunderland 0–0 Tottenham Hotspur, 31 January 2017
Team News
Tottenham Hotspur
Thomas Frank is currently managing a significantly depleted squad. The Lilywhites remain without long-term injury absentees James Maddison, Dominic Solanke, Dejan Kulusevski, and Destiny Udogie. Furthermore, Xavi Simons serves the final game of a three-match suspension. Midfielder Lucas Bergvall is also a major doubt after missing the Brentford clash. International duties further stretch the squad, as Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr are away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Sunderland
Régis Le Bris is grappling with the Premier League’s most severe AFCON exodus. The Black Cats are missing six key players: Reinildo Mandava, Chemsdine Talbi, Arthur Masuaku, Noah Sadiki, Bertrand Traoré, and Habib Diarra. Additionally, defender Dan Ballard remains a serious doubt due to an ankle issue. In attack, Brian Brobbey is being monitored after suffering “muscular tightness” against Man City. Wilson Isidor stands ready to deputise if the Dutchman is unfit to lead the line.
Form
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs’ home form was historically poor in 2025, suffering more home league defeats in a single calendar year than ever before. However, they remain dominant against newly promoted opposition. Tottenham have scored in 61 of their last 62 Premier League matches against such sides. Richarlison remains their most potent home threat, with 13 goal involvements in his last 16 starts at this stadium.
Sunderland
The Black Cats have been the surprise package of the season, but have struggled for goals on their travels. They have netted just four times in nine away games, the joint-worst record in the division. Despite this, their defensive resilience has kept them in the hunt for Europe. Captain Granit Xhaka will anchor the midfield as he returns to North London for the first time since his departure from Arsenal.
Predicted Lineups
Tottenham Hotspur predicted XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Gray, Palhinha, Bentancur; Kudus, Richarlison, Kolo Muani
Sunderland predicted XI: Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Cirkin; Geertruida, Xhaka; Mayenda, Le Fée, Adingra; Isidor
How to watch Tottenham vs Sunderland?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage starts at 14:00 GMT on Sunday, ahead of the 15:00 kick-off.
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