Sunderland will look to extend their impressive run when they host Aston Villa on Sunday, Softfootball reports.
The Black Cats have lost just once since gaining promotion to the premier league, winning two and drawing one while Unai Emery’s Villa have struggled for form in this early part of the season and currently languishing in the 19th position.
In preparation for the game, Sunderland shared a video via their official X handle on players talking about their favourite moment of the season so far.
In the first part of our season-long campaign with @LiveScore, our players share their thoughts on some of this season’s biggest talking points so far.
Stay tuned all season and don’t forget to join our monthly ‘Moments That Matter’ vote for a chance to win exclusive prizes! 😍 pic.twitter.com/jz5EJk2UXf
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) September 19, 2025Sunderland with a capacity of 48,707 will host the match against Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light where they hammered West Ham 3-0 on the opening day of the season.
TEAM NEWS
Enzo Le Fée is close to a return after missing the goalless draw against Crystal Palace last week. Dan Ballard is also back in contention after being sidelined for two league fixtures with a groin injury.
Luke O’Nien will miss this fixture as he hasn’t recovered from injury. Former Arsenal Captain, Granit Xhaka will lead the team from midfield.
Aston Villa shared a video via their official X handle of manage Unai Emery talking about his team’s confidence.
Unai's full press conference for #SUNAVL is available to watch now 📺
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) September 19, 2025Aston Villa will hope Ollie Watkins has regained his scoring boots to help them out of their bizarre situation this early in the season.
Unai Emery’s side will be without Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana, Andrés García and Ross Barkley but Boubacar Kamara returns for the trip to Sunderland while former Manchester United defender, Victor Lindelöf will be hoping to play some part after joining the club on a free transfer this summer.
Jado Sancho, who joined Aston Villa on loan from Manchester United can finally get his debut against the newly promoted side. Sancho was included in Aston Villa’s Europa League squad, that how much faith Emery has in him.
Sunderland probable XI
Robin Roefs, Trai Hume, Omar Alderete, Nordi Mukiele, Reinildo Mandava, Noah Sadiki, Granit Xhaka, Habib Diarra, Simon Adingra, Chemsdine Talbi, Wilson Isidor
Aston Villa probable XI
Martinez, Matty Cash, Pau Torres, Ezri Konsa, Ian Maatsen, Harvey Elliott, John McGinn, Evann Guessand, Donyell Malen, Jadon Sancho, Watkins
Softfootball prediction
Aston Villa are a formidable side despite this lack of form this period. Sunderland have started the season very well but they will have to dig deep to find a winner against Villa. Sunderland 0-2 Aston Villa.
