Aston Villa vs Sunderland – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Aston Villa return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon following a dominant midweek display in Europe.

Unai Emery’s side recently thrashed Bologna 4–0 at Villa Park to secure a Europa League semi-final berth. They have won 10 of their first 11 matches in that competition this season. However, their domestic form in 2026 has been noticeably less consistent than their clinical European displays. The Villans have collected just 16 points from 13 league games since the turn of the year.

Sunderland, meanwhile, arrive in the West Midlands full of confidence after recording back-to-back victories against elite opposition. The Black Cats recently defeated both Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur to move into a comfortable mid-table position.

Régis Le Bris has successfully guided the promoted side away from any potential relegation scrap this term. They now seek three consecutive top-flight wins for the first time since May 2014. Consequently, this clash represents a significant test for Villa’s top-five ambitions.

Aston Villa vs Sunderland – Match preview and team news

Team news

Aston Villa

Boubacar Kamara remains sidelined with a knee injury and will not feature this weekend. Alysson is also unavailable after picking up a knock in recent training sessions. John McGinn and Emiliano Buendía are expected to start on the flanks to provide creative spark. Furthermore, Ollie Watkins will lead the line as he chases a historic goals milestone.

Sunderland

Dan Ballard is fully fit and has trained normally throughout the week. The Northern Ireland international missed the last two matches but is now available for selection. However, Nilson Angulo, Bertrand Traoré, and Jocelin Ta Bi remain sidelined for now. Le Bris expects this trio to return for the upcoming fixture against Nottingham Forest.

Form

Aston Villa

Villa have won eight consecutive home matches in major European competition. They have kept five consecutive home clean sheets against Italian sides specifically. However, they have netted more than once in just two of their last 12 league games. Emery will be desperate to translate their free-scoring European form into the Premier League.

Sunderland

The Black Cats have defied expectations this season and currently sit in a stable mid-table spot. They have shown excellent away form with recent victories at St James’ Park and Elland Road. Sunderland have conceded just 10 goals in 16 road matches during this campaign. They remain mentally unburdened as they focus purely on swift transitions and defensive organisation.

Predicted lineups

Aston Villa Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Maatsen, Torres, Konsa, Cash; Sancho, Tielemans; Onana, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins

Sunderland Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Roefs; Reinildo, Alderete, O’Nien, Mukiele; Xhaka, Sadiki; Le Fee, Diarra, Rigg; Brobbey

How to watch Aston Villa vs Sunderland?

The match is televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage begins at 13:00 BST.

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