Sunderland vs Aston Villa Preview

• Draw or Sunderland win
• Di bawah 3,5 gol

Sunderland’s return to the Premier League has been smoother than many anticipated. Under Régis Le Bris, the newly-promoted side have taken to top-flight football with confidence and maturity, losing just one of their opening four fixtures (W2, D1). Last weekend’s goalless draw away at Crystal Palace was another sign of their resilience, as they defended with determination against a side known for their attacking width. That result, coupled with home victories earlier in the season, means Sunderland have the chance to set a piece of history. Should they win here, it would be the first time since the 1965/66 campaign that they open a top-flight season with three consecutive home victories. Even more impressively, they would become the first promoted side in the Premier League era to achieve that feat since Burnley in 2009/10.

For a fan base that has endured relegation, financial uncertainty, and years in the lower leagues, Sunderland’s strong start has been uplifting. The Stadium of Light has rediscovered its voice, and the players seem to be responding to the wave of optimism. Yet, this encounter with Aston Villa provides a different sort of challenge — not a fellow promoted team or a mid-table rival, but an established Premier League side struggling under the weight of expectation.

Villa’s woes could hardly be more pronounced. Unai Emery’s men have yet to find the net in the league this season, with four games producing two goalless draws and two defeats. Extending further back, they are now on a five-match barren streak in the Premier League, the second-longest in their history. Should they fail to score again here, they would join an unwanted club: just the third side in top-flight history to open a campaign with five consecutive games without a goal.

Although Villa managed to score in midweek League Cup action, they were eventually eliminated on penalties by Brentford, adding another dent to morale. Emery’s tactical structure has provided solidity in certain areas, but the lack of cutting edge in the final third is leaving them under pressure, both in terms of results and confidence.

Riwayat Head-to-Head

History is firmly against Sunderland in this fixture. They have won just one of their last 12 league meetings with Villa (D5, L6), and Villa often looked the more composed side in those games. However, Sunderland’s solitary win in that sequence was significant: a 3-1 triumph in January 2016, the last time the two clubs met in the Premier League.

The Black Cats will therefore take encouragement from that result and from the current momentum swing. While Villa’s historical dominance is clear, the narrative is shifting with Sunderland’s newfound energy and Villa’s lack of confidence in front of goal.

Statistik dan Streak Panas

• Sunderland have won exactly three corners in each of their last three league fixtures.
• Across their four Premier League matches this season, just one goal has been scored before the 60th minute, underlining their tendency to start slowly and finish stronger.
• Aston Villa are unbeaten in 15 Premier League games against promoted sides under Unai Emery (W12, D3).
• Just one of Villa’s last eight away league matches has seen both teams score, showing a consistent pattern of low-scoring encounters on the road.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players

For Sunderland, Wilson Isidor has been a late-game hero. Both of his goals this season have come beyond the 90th minute in home matches, often acting as the decisive moment in contests.

Six of his last seven goals for the club have arrived after the break, which makes him a threat that Villa will need to monitor until the very end. His knack for producing in high-pressure moments has quickly made him a favourite among supporters.

Aston Villa will once again look to Ollie Watkins, who despite his own goal drought, has an exceptional record against promoted sides.

He has been directly involved in 12 goals in his last nine Premier League games against such opposition (six goals and six assists). Villa’s chances of ending their barren run may rest heavily on his shoulders, as his movement and hold-up play can create opportunities in tight matches like this one.

In terms of absences, Sunderland remain without defender Dan Ballard, who continues to recover from injury. For Villa, Youri Tielemans is a doubt after missing their League Cup clash with Brentford. His absence would deprive Emery’s side of a creative presence in midfield, something they have already been sorely lacking.

Prediksi

This fixture comes at a fascinating juncture for both sides. Sunderland are brimming with belief and looking to cement their Premier League credentials with another home victory, while Aston Villa are desperate to end a goal drought that is threatening to derail their season before it even gathers momentum.

The Stadium of Light crowd will expect their side to take the game to Villa, and given Sunderland’s record of late goals, the longer this remains level, the more confident the hosts will become. For Villa, early chances must be taken if they are to relieve the pressure on their manager and end their barren streak in front of goal. Watkins’ record against promoted sides offers a glimmer of hope, but without improved service from midfield, that may not be enough.

Overall, Sunderland’s resilience, home form, and ability to find moments of quality late in games could be the deciding factor. Villa’s defensive organisation might keep them in the contest, but unless they drastically improve in the attacking third, another frustrating afternoon could be on the cards.

Prediction: Sunderland 2-1 Aston Villa

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Sunderland v Aston Villa | 2025/2026 | Premier League | Overview