The Matchday 5 Premier League clash between Sunderland and Aston Villa will take place on September 21 at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland vs. Aston Villa: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Sunderland
Régis Le Bris's side has been a pleasant surprise this season, unexpectedly sitting in 7th place in the league table. The team has made the most of their home support, defeating West Ham (3-0) and Brentford (2-1) in the new season. While they haven't scored away yet, they managed to earn one point in their last outing with a goalless draw against Crystal Palace.
- Before the last match, the club hadn't drawn in the Premier League or Championship for 11 games (4 wins and 7 losses).
- Exactly two or three goals were scored in 4 of Sunderland's last 5 matches in the top two divisions of English football.
- At least one team failed to score in 7 of the club's previous 10 Premier League and Championship matches.
Predicted lineup for Sunderland (4-3-3)
Robin Rüfs – Nordi Mukiele, Omar Alderete, Reinildo Mandava, Trai Hume – Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Habib Diarra – Chemsdine Talbi, Simon Adingra, Wilson Isidor.
Aston Villa
The Birmingham side has been the biggest disappointment at the start of the season. The team has suffered two defeats and played goalless draws with Newcastle and Everton. As a result, they find themselves in the relegation zone with two points. Interestingly, the club has failed to score in five consecutive Premier League matches. Additionally, Aston Villa lost to Brentford in the League Cup on penalties this week.
- The club's winless streak in the league stands at 5 matches (2 draws and 3 losses).
- At least one team failed to score in Aston Villa's last 8 Premier League games.
- No more than two goals were scored in 7 of Aston Villa's last 8 Premier League matches.
Predicted lineup for Aston Villa (5-3-2)
Emiliano Martinez – Lamare Bogarde, Tyrone Mings, Matty Cash, Lucas Digne, Ezri Konsa – Emiliano Buendia, John McGinn, Youri Tielemans – Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers.
Due to injuries, midfielders Boubacar Kamara and Ross Barkley, and defender Andres Garcia will miss the match.
Referee
Sam Barrott (England)
Matches – 25 (Premier League, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 118;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.7;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 24%.
Sunderland vs. Aston Villa: Match Prediction
The hosts were expected to be among the relegation candidates, while the visitors were tipped for European competition spots. But after 4 rounds, the situation is reversed: Sunderland is near the top, while the Birmingham side is among the bottom three. I anticipate that Unai Emery's side will find it difficult to climb out of this position, especially considering they have only managed to collect two points despite a favorable schedule.
Régis Le Bris's side will aim to maximize their home advantage. As seen, they can handle mid-table and lower-ranked Premier League teams at their stadium; it will be interesting to see how they fare against Premier League representatives in European competitions. So far, Sunderland has secured two home victories in the Premier League, scoring five goals. Meanwhile, Aston Villa has failed to win or even score in three consecutive away matches.
My prediction – Sunderland win or draw
* The starting lineup for each team is based on their last match in this tournament.
