Aston Villa vs Sunderland – Predicted lineup and team news

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·19 April 2026

Aston Villa vs Sunderland – Predicted lineup and team news

Aston Villa host Sunderland today, looking to cement their position in the Premier League’s top five.

The Villans are riding a wave of momentum after cruising into the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday. They thrashed Bologna 4–0 to complete a dominant 7–1 aggregate victory over the Italian side. Unai Emery’s men have now won 10 of their first 11 matches in Europe this season. This record matches the historic feats of Chelsea in 2019 and Villarreal in 2021.

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Despite their European pedigree, Villa have lacked consistency in the Premier League since January. They have won only four of their 13 league matches during the current calendar year. Emery will be wary of any physical fatigue following their high-intensity midweek exploits. Moreover, the team must improve their clinical edge to overcome a resilient Sunderland defence. Villa have scored more than once in only two of their last 12 league outings.

Aston Villa team news

Boubacar Kamara remains a long-term absentee for the hosts due to a serious knee injury. Alysson is also expected to miss out after sustaining a knock during recent sessions. Consequently, Emery is likely to lean on his established core to maintain tactical stability. Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans should form the double pivot in midfield. This pairing will be crucial for controlling the tempo against Sunderland’s quick transitions.

John McGinn and Emiliano Buendía are set to start on the flanks for the Birmingham club. Their primary objective will be to provide service for the clinical Ollie Watkins. Watkins enters this match on the verge of making club history at Villa Park. He has already scored nine goals in major European competition for the side. One more goal would make him the first player ever to reach double figures for Villa.

Ollie Watkins could also become the second Villan to score in three consecutive European starts. Only John McGinn has previously achieved this feat between April 2025 and March 2026. Furthermore, Morgan Rogers continues to grow in stature as he eyes an England World Cup spot. He is expected to operate in the number ten role behind Watkins today. Emiliano Martínez remains the undisputed choice in goal as Villa seek another clean sheet.