Sunderland host Brighton at the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland eyeing mid-table stability and the Seagulls aiming to move further from danger.
| Tournament: | Premier League |
|---|---|
| Venue: | Stadium of Light, Sunderland |
| Date: | 14.03.2026 |
| Time: | 15:00 GMT |
Sunderland vs Brighton Form and Head to Head
The home side comes into this fixture on the back of a 1-0 FA Cup defeat away to Port Vale, a result that saw them exit the competition. Prior to that, in the Premier League, Sunderland secured a crucial 1-0 away victory against Leeds, a result that significantly eased any lingering relegation fears.
Over their last six matches across all competitions, the Black Cats have registered two wins, one draw, and three losses, indicating a somewhat inconsistent run. Notably, Sunderland have drawn their last three matches against Brighton in all competitions, suggesting a closely contested rivalry.
Brighton, meanwhile, suffered a narrow 0-1 home defeat to Arsenal in their most recent outing. Their league form has been mixed, with two wins and four losses in their last six fixtures. While they managed impressive victories away at Brentford (2-0) and at home against Nottingham Forest (2-1), recent losses to Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace highlight a struggle for sustained consistency.
Interestingly, there have been under 2.5 goals scored in five of Brighton's last six Premier League games, pointing towards tighter affairs involving the visitors. The most recent encounter between these two sides was a goalless draw at Brighton on 20th December 2025 in the Premier League. Looking back at the last five meetings, the record stands finely balanced.
Brighton have secured two victories, Sunderland one, with two matches ending in a stalemate. This includes a League Cup tie in 2011/2012 where Brighton edged out Sunderland 1-0 after extra time, and a 2-0 Championship win for Sunderland at home in 2004/2005. The historical trend also shows Sunderland have seen under 2.5 goals in their last three matches against Brighton in all competitions, reinforcing the expectation of a tight contest.
Who is the Betting Favourite in Sunderland vs Brighton?
Brighton are clear betting favourites to beat Sunderland. Latest odds imply roughly a 44% chance of a Brighton win, around 29% for the draw, and 27% for Sunderland.
| Match Winner | Best Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Sunderland | 13/5 | AK Bets |
| Brighton | 5/4 | Coral |
| Draw | 12/5 | Betfred |
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Sunderland vs Brighton Predicted Lineups
Sunderland (4-3-3): Ellborg; Hume, Ballard, Alderete, Geertruida; Xhaka, Sadiki, Diarra; L. Fée, Mayenda, Talbi
Brighton (4-3-3): Verbruggen; Kadioglu, Dunk, Hecke, Wieffer; Groß, Baleba, Hinshelwood; Minteh, Welbeck, Gómez
Lineups powered by WhoScored.
Sunderland vs Brighton Team News
Sunderland face several injury concerns ahead of this clash. Mundle, Mandava, and Brobbey are all confirmed absentees due to injury. Additionally, Roefs, Mukiele, Cirkin, and Traoré are all listed as doubtful, which could impact the depth of the squad. Granit Xhaka, however, is expected to start after making appearances from the bench in recent games, providing a boost in midfield.
Brighton also have a few key players missing. Mitoma and Tzimas are both out with injuries, while Webster is also sidelined. The absence of Mitoma, in particular, could be a significant blow to the Seagulls' attacking prowess. However, Lewis Dunk is back in training and is set to return to the starting lineup, bolstering their defensive options.
Sunderland vs Brighton Match Prediction
This clash sees two sides with very different styles as Sunderland host Brighton & Hove Albion. Sunderland rely on a more direct approach, often attacking down the right and using long balls to create chances. They have shown resilience this season, capable of protecting leads and fighting back from losing positions, though their finishing has sometimes let them down.
Brighton prefer a possession-based game built on short passing and attacks through the middle. They are dangerous from long-range efforts and moments of individual skill, but defensive lapses and occasional errors have been an issue.
While Brighton are expected to dominate the ball, Sunderland’s counter-attacking threat and aerial strength could cause problems. With the Black Cats historically stronger at home and Brighton struggling on the road, the hosts may have enough to edge a tight contest.
Prediction: Sunderland 2-1 Brighton
Sunderland vs Brighton Match Stat Trends
Our EV Eagle has picked out five trending player stats for Sunderland vs Brighton.
Find 100s more player stat trends in our Trends Tool, available to Oddschecker+ Premium subscribers.
Diego Gomez has exceeded 1.5 Fouls in 4 of their last 5 games.
Best odds of 21/20 at Boyle Sports while publishing.
Daniel Ballard has exceeded 0.5 Shots in 7 of their last 9 games.
Best odds of 4/5 at Coral while publishing.
Lewis Dunk has exceeded 0.5 Fouls in 4 of their last 5 Away games.
Best odds of 4/5 at Ladbrokes while publishing.
Enzo Le Fée has made 3+ tackles in 3 of their last 4 apps in Premier League.
Best odds of 3/10 at Coral while publishing.
Brighton have received 2+ cards in 4 of their last 4 matches in Premier League.
Best odds of 4/9 at Sporting Index while publishing.
Sunderland vs Brighton Bet Builder Tip
Our Sunderland vs Brighton Bet Builder Tip is:
- Yes - Both Teams To Score
- D. Gomez Over 3.5 - Tackles
- P. Gross Over 0.5 - Shots
- H. Diarra Over 1.5 - Fouls Won
Best odds of 12/1 at bet365 while publishing.
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