Brighton vs Sunderland: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Ladbrokes' detailed preview for Brighton vs Sunderland in the Premier League. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 15:00 GMT match.

• Fixture: Brighton vs Sunderland
• Date: Saturday, 20 December 2025
• Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
• Venue: Amex Stadium

Brighton will be looking to bounce back after a couple of tough losses, and playing at home could give them the edge they need. With a solid defensive line and the creativity of players like Gruda and Minteh, they have the tools to control the game and create scoring opportunities. However, they'll need to be wary of Sunderland's counter-attacking threat, especially with Brobbey up front.

Sunderland have shown they can compete with top teams, as seen in their recent win against Newcastle. Their midfield, led by Xhaka and Rigg, could disrupt Brighton's rhythm and allow them to exploit spaces on the break. This match could be closely contested, with both teams having moments of dominance, but Brighton's home advantage might just tip the scales in their favour.

Brighton have had a mixed bag of results recently, with two wins, a draw, and two losses in their last five games. Their victories against Nottingham Forest and Brentford show they can be clinical when needed, but the losses to Liverpool and Aston Villa highlight some defensive vulnerabilities. They'll be eager to regain momentum at home and use their recent wins as a confidence booster.

Recent Premier League Results:

• Loss: 0-2 vs Liverpool (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs West Ham (H)
• Loss: 3-4 vs Aston Villa (H)
• Win: 2-0 vs Nottingham Forest (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Brentford (H)

Sunderland have shown they can hold their own against strong opposition, with a notable win against Newcastle and a draw against Liverpool. However, their losses to Manchester City and Fulham indicate they can struggle against well-organised teams. They'll need to capitalise on their recent form and maintain a solid defensive structure to challenge Brighton away from home.

Recent Premier League Results:

• Win: 1-0 vs Newcastle (H)

• Loss: 0-3 vs Manchester City (A)

• Draw: 1-1 vs Liverpool (A)

• Win: 3-2 vs Bournemouth (H)

• Loss: 0-1 vs Fulham (A)

The recent head-to-head record between Brighton and Sunderland is a single League Cup encounter on 23 August 2011, which Brighton won 1-0 after extra time. This limited history suggests there's little to go on in terms of past results, making this match an intriguing prospect. Both teams will be looking to establish dominance in this rare fixture.

Recent Results

• Brighton 1-0 (a.e.t.) Sunderland (23 Aug 2011) - League Cup

• Solly March (Knee) - Out

• Adam Webster (Knee) – Out

• Stefanos Tzimas (Knee) - Out

• Carlos Baleba (International Duty) - Out

• Lewis Dunk (Suspended) - Out

• Diego Gomez (Suspended) - Out

• Tom Watson (Discomfort) - Doubt

• Ajibola Alese (Shoulder) - Out

• Habib Diarra (International duty) - Out

• Leo Hjelde (Achilles) - Doubt

• Luke O'nien (Suspended) - Out

• Noah Sadiki (International duty) - Out

• Arthur Masuaku (International duty) - Out

• Reinildo (International duty) - Out

• Chemsdine Talbi (International duty) - Out

• Bertrand Traoré (International duty) - Out

• Predicted lineup: Verbruggen (GK), Wieffer (DF), Van Hecke (DF), Boscagli (DF), Kadioglu (DF), Ayari (MF), Hinshelwood (MF), Minteh (MF), Gruda (MF), Mitoma (MF), Rutter (AT)

Brighton are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Verbruggen in goal and a back four of Wieffer, Van Hecke, Boscagli, and Kadioglu. This setup should allow them to maintain a solid defensive shape while giving players like Gruda and Minteh the freedom to create in the attacking third.

• Predicted lineup: Roefs (GK), Mukiele (DF), Ballard (DF), Alderete (DF), Hume (DF), Xhaka (MF), Rigg (MF), Adingra (MF), Le Fee (MF), Isidor (MF), Brobbey (AT)

Sunderland will likely deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Roefs between the sticks and a defensive line of Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, and Hume. This formation should provide a balanced approach, with Xhaka and Rigg anchoring the midfield and allowing Adingra and Le Fee to push forward in support of Brobbey.

• Rutter vs Ballard: Rutter's pace and movement will test Ballard's defensive positioning and composure.

• Hinshelwood vs Xhaka: Hinshelwood's energy in midfield will be crucial to counter Xhaka's ability to drive forward.

• Gruda (Brighton): Gruda's creativity and vision in midfield will be key to unlocking Sunderland's defence.

• Xhaka (Sunderland): Xhaka's role in breaking up play and distributing the ball will be vital for Sunderland's chances.

Brighton vs Sunderland at 15:00 GMT on Saturday, 20 December 2025, isn't being broadcast live for viewers in the UK.

Ladbrokes is predicting that the score will be Brighton 2-1 Sunderland.

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