Sunderland host Brighton at the Stadium of Light today, aiming to end a two-match home losing streak and secure back-to-back league wins for the first time since October.
The Black Cats have moved past the 40-point mark but must bounce back from a disappointing FA Cup exit. Manager Régis Le Bris oversaw a morale-boosting win over Leeds earlier this month and now faces a Brighton side that has historically struggled on Wearside. Sunderland are unbeaten in their last nine home games against the Seagulls, a record stretching back to 1981.
Sunderland team news
Régis Le Bris manages a squad dealing with several long-term knee injuries but receiving a boost from returning starters. Notably, Trai Hume and Noah Sadiki are back in contention after serving suspensions. Consequently, Hume is expected to reclaim his spot in the backline alongside Dan Ballard, who surprisingly leads the team for touches in the opposition box this season (64).
Brian Brobbey and Dennis Cirkin have both returned to full training and will be assessed before kick-off. Bertrand Traoré and Reinildo Mandava remain the most significant absentees.
Oliver Ellborg will start in goal behind a defence featuring Hume, Ballard, Lutsharel Geertruida, and Omar Alderete. In midfield, Granit Xhaka will lead alongside Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra. Eliezer Mayenda is likely to lead the line as the lone striker, with Enzo Le Fee and Chemsdine Talbi providing the creative width.
Notably, Sunderland have kept nine clean sheets this season and will target a 10th to stay in the hunt for European qualification.
Sunderland predicted lineup
Sunderland Predicted XI (4-3-3): Ellborg; Geertruida, Ballard, Alderete, Hume; Xhaka, Sadiki, Diarra; Talbi, Mayenda, Le Fee
When will the match kick off?
The Premier League fixture takes place at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, 14 March 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 GMT.
How to watch Sunderland vs Brighton?
The match will not be broadcast live in the UK due to the 3:00 p.m. Saturday blackout.
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