Burnley vs Sunderland Match Preview – Premier League 2025/26 | Form, Injuries, Lineups & Prediction

Burnley vs Sunderland Match Preview: Burnley welcome fellow promoted side Sunderland to Turf Moor this weekend – a clash both clubs will view as a crucial chance to pick up points in their bid to secure Premier League survival.

Current Form

The Clarets endured a tough start to life back in the top flight last weekend, opening against Thomas Frank’s Tottenham. Brazilian forward Richarlison proved the difference, netting a brace – his second a beautiful strike that left Martin Dúbravka with no chance. Substitute Brennan Johnson sealed the three points, ending a dominant 3-0 display.

Losing James Trafford to Manchester City could prove a season-defining moment for Burnley. Trafford, despite his youth, was seen as a cornerstone for the Clarets’ long-term project, and his shot-stopping and distribution were pivotal in their Championship-winning campaign. Replacing him with the experienced but ageing Martin Dúbravka is a gamble; while the Slovakian offers Premier League know-how and reliability, he lacks the same athletic ceiling. If Burnley struggle defensively, this switch in goal could become symbolic of a summer where the club consolidated rather than evolved, potentially shaping the course of their season.

Manager Scott Parker won’t be too disheartened, given the quality of the opposition, alongside the potential for more signings to strengthen his side later on in the window. However, chances to claim all three points will be limited this season, and Parker knows his men must capitalise against the Black Cats.

Sunderland sent out a clear message on the opening weekend that they are ready for the fight, looking every bit at home in the Premier League despite an eight-year absence. Régis Le Bris’ side swept aside West Ham with an emphatic 3–0 victory, a result that was about far more than just three points. It was a statement of intent, with Sunderland relentless in their pressing and clinical in front of goal. Strikingly, it was three players from last season’s promotion campaign, Eliezer Mayenda, Dan Ballard and Wilson Isidor, who found the net, underlining the strength of their core even as their new signings continue to settle in.

That commanding performance away from home has given the Black Cats real momentum. They looked organised, fearless and full of belief, and they will travel to Turf Moor brimming with confidence. Burnley represents another opportunity for Sunderland to show that they are more than just a newly promoted side and that they intend to make their mark on the Premier League this season.

Head-to-Head Record

Sunderland are unbeaten in four of their last five meetings with Burnley and have historically won 48 games in the fixture, compared to the Clarets’ 39. Burnley’s last victory came two years ago in the Championship under Vincent Kompany, with Scott Parker yet to beat the Black Cats during his tenure at Turf Moor.

Injury News & Suspensions

Burnley:

Armando Broja – Doubtful (Lacking Fitness)
Zeki Amdouni – Out (ACL Injury)
Bashir Humphreys – Out (Muscle Injury)
Axel Tuanzebe – Out (Muscle Injury)
Jordan Beyer – Out (Knee Injury)
Connor Roberts – Doubtful (Knock)
Mike Tresor – Out (Leg Injury)

Sunderland:

Romain Mundle – Out (Hamstring Injury)
Luke O’Nien – Out (Shoulder Injury)
Dennis Cirkin – Out (Wrist Injury)
Leo Hjelde – Out (Achilles Tendon Injury)
Ajibola-Joshua Alese – Out (Shoulder Injury)
Arthur Masuaku – Doubtful (Lacking Fitness)

Manager Quotes

TBA

Predicted Lineups

Burnley (5-2-3): Dubravka; Sonne, Walker, Esteve, Ekdal, Hartman; Cullen, Ugochukwu; Edwards, Anthony; Foster

Sunderland (4-3-3): Roefs; Hume, Alderete, Ballard, Reinaldo; Sadiki, Xhaka, Diarra; Talbi, Mayenda, Adingra

Tactical Preview

Scott Parker’s men will focus on defensive stability, utilising the three-back as a foundation for build-up and as cover when caught on the counter. Burnley will be forced to show adaptability this season. Against teams like Sunderland, the Clarets will aim to control the game both in and out of possession. While easier said than done, their approach against Spurs last weekend – initially focused on defending deep before shifting to a more aggressive press after falling behind – showcased their tactical flexibility, even if the execution fell short.

Sunderland weren’t far off Burnley’s style but executed it far better, due to higher-quality personnel. As a recently promoted side, the Black Cats have been very ambitious, bringing in the likes of Granit Xhaka and Simon Adingra, and it looks set to pay off. Against West Ham, they had less than 40% possession per half, indicating that they had to defend for large periods of time but used this to battle against West Ham on the transition. New signing Habib Diarra spearheaded everything positive for Regis Le Bris’ side and was crucial in the midfield, acting as the central engine. 

Key Battles

Lyle Foster vs Ballard/Alderete – Until Armando Broja is available, Foster will lead Burnley’s attack, and if they are to score, he must find space against the Sunderland duo who helped keep Jarrod Bowen quiet last weekend. 

Midfield – From aiding the defence to attacking creation, whichever team dominates the middle of the park will be in control and have a foothold in the game. It proved crucial in both of these sides’ opening fixtures.

Anthony vs Hume – Jaidon Anthony’s pace and creativity down the left will be an interesting test for fullback Trai Hume, whose aggressive, high-energy defending has been key for Sunderland.

Burnley vs Sunderland Match Preview: Predicted Scoreline

Burnley 1-2 Sunderland

Sunderland head into this game with all the momentum after a commanding 3–0 opening-day win over West Ham, a performance that immediately marked them out as more than just a survival candidate. The manner of that victory—pressing high, clinical finishing, and composure in possession—has not only boosted their confidence but also made punters and analysts reassess expectations for Régis Le Bris’ side.

The Black Cats have also been one of the most aggressive clubs in the transfer market this summer, spending around £142 million on 12 new signings. Names like Enzo Le Fée, Habib Diarra, Simon Adingra, Omar Alderete, Nordi Mukiele, and Noah Sadiki bring both quality and depth, and that record-breaking outlay puts them just shy of Nottingham Forest’s all-time record spend for a promoted side. This ambition signals that Sunderland aren’t simply aiming to avoid relegation—they want to establish themselves quickly in the Premier League.

Burnley, in contrast, have been far more measured. Their summer business amounts to just under £100 million, with players such as Lesley Ugochukwu and Armando Broja arriving to add competition, but overall the recruitment has been less extensive. Kompany’s side remain well-drilled and difficult to beat at Turf Moor, yet there is a feeling that they haven’t strengthened enough compared to rivals.

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