Sunderland vs Aston Villa: Predictions, Odds, Lineups, Preview
Sunderland predicted to continue their great start to Premier League life with a 2-1 win at home to Aston Villa,
A goal for Villa would be their first of the season, with Unai Emery's side struggling to find the back of the net so far this campaign.
Granit Xhaka continues to show why Sunderland were so keen to bring him to the club, with his energy, ball-playing ability and leadership all key.
Explore Ladbrokes’ detailed preview for Sunderland vs Aston Villa in the Premier League. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 14:00 BST match.
Match Details
Fixture: Sunderland vs Aston Villa
Date: Sunday, 21 September 2025
Kick-off: 14:00 BST
Venue: Stadium of Light
Our predictions for Sunderland vs Aston Villa
Match Prediction: Sunderland 2-1 Aston Villa
Sunderland's recent form has been a rollercoaster, but they've shown they can score at home. They've won two of their last four league games, both at home, so they'll fancy their chances against Villa.
Aston Villa, on the other hand, have struggled to find the net, drawing blanks in all four of their Premier League games this season. This could be a tight affair, but Sunderland might edge it if they can capitalise on their home advantage.
Villa's defence has been solid enough, but their attack has been toothless lately. They'll need to find a way to break down Sunderland's backline if they want to take anything from this game. Sunderland, with their recent home form, could exploit Villa's lack of goals and nick a win. It's all about who can be more clinical in front of goal.
Form Guide & Team Overview
Sunderland
Sunderland have been up and down lately, but their home form is what gives them hope. Two wins out of their last four, both at home, show they can be a force at the Stadium of Light.
The draw against Crystal Palace away was a solid result, but it's the home wins against Brentford and West Ham that will give them confidence. If they can keep that momentum going, they might just pull off another win.
The loss away to Burnley was a bit of a setback, but it's their home performances that matter here. Scoring three against West Ham and two against Brentford shows they've got the firepower. If they can keep their defence tight and their attack sharp, they could cause Villa some real problems.
Recent Premier League Results:
Win: 3-0 vs West Ham United (H)
Aston Villa
Aston Villa have been struggling to find the back of the net recently. Failing to score in all four league games this season is a real concern. They've been solid at the back, but without goals, it's hard to win games. They'll need to find a way to break down Sunderland's defence if they want to come away with anything.
The draws against Everton and Newcastle show they can be tough to beat, but the losses to Crystal Palace and Brentford highlight their lack of cutting edge. If they can't find a way to score, it's going to be a tough afternoon at Sunderland. They'll need to be at their best to get anything from this game.
Recent Premier League Results:
Draw: 0-0 vs Newcastle United (H)
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, Aston Villa have had the upper hand against Sunderland, winning three of their last five encounters. However, Sunderland have shown they can compete, with a win and a draw in those games, so it's not a completely one-sided affair.
Recent League Results
Sunderland 0-3 Aston Villa (06 Mar 2018)
Aston Villa 2-1 Sunderland (21 Nov 2017)
Sunderland 3-1 Aston Villa (02 Jan 2016)
Aston Villa 2-2 Sunderland (29 Aug 2015)
Sunderland 0-4 Aston Villa (14 Mar 2015)
Team News & Injury Report
Sunderland
Romaine Mundle (Hamstring) - Out
Leo Hjelde (Achilles) - Out
Dennis Cirkin (Wrist) - Out
Daniel Ballard (Groin) - Doubt
Luke O'nien (Shoulder) - Doubt
Aji Alese (Shoulder) - Doubt
Aston Villa
Amadou Onana (Hamstring) - Out
Boubacar Kamara (Hamstring) - Out
Andrés García (Knock) - Doubt
Lineups & Tactical Setup
Predicted Sunderland (4-3-3)
Roefs, Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Mandava, Diarra, Xhaka, Sadiki, Talbi, Isidor, Adingra
Sunderland's predicted lineup suggests a strong midfield presence with Diarra and Xhaka, which could help control the game and feed the attack. Their recent home form indicates they'll look to exploit Villa's defensive vulnerabilities.
Predicted Aston Villa (4-2-3-1)
Martínez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne, Bogarde, Tielemans, McGinn, Rogers, Buendía, Watkins
Aston Villa's predicted lineup shows a reliance on Buendía and Watkins to provide the spark going forward. Their recent struggles to score suggest they'll need to be more clinical if they're to break down Sunderland's defence.
Key Battles & Players to Watch
Mukiele vs Watkins: Mukiele will need to be at his best to keep Watkins quiet, even if the Villans’ forward is not in the best of form.
McGinn vs Xhaka: McGinn's energy will be tested against Xhaka's experience in the midfield.
Trai Hume (Sunderland): Hume's recent performances have been key to Sunderland's home success.
Emiliano Buendía (Aston Villa): Buendía will be crucial if Villa are to find a way to score.
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