The curtains close on Matchday 24 of the 2025/26 Premier League season with a high-stakes Monday Night Football clash as Sunderland welcomes Burnley to the Stadium of Light. While both sides were promoted together in the previous cycle, their fortunes this season have diverged significantly. Sunderland finds themselves comfortably nestled in the mid-table, while Burnley is fighting tooth and nail to climb out of the bottom three.
In this comprehensive Sunderland vs Burnley preview, we analyze the tactical battles, injury updates, and predicted lineups for this crucial fixture on February 2, 2026.
Match Details
Fixture: Sunderland vs Burnley
Competition: Premier League (Matchday 24)
Date: Monday, February 2, 2026
Time: 20:00 GMT
Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland
Referee: Paul Tierney
Pre-Match Analysis: A Tale of Two Ambitions
Sunderland: The Home Fortress
Under the stewardship of Régis Le Bris, the Black Cats have turned the Stadium of Light into one of the most intimidating venues in the country. Currently sitting in 11th place with 33 points, Sunderland has maintained an incredible home record, losing just once on their own turf all season.
However, they enter this game looking to bounce back from a disappointing 3-1 defeat at West Ham. The primary concern for Le Bris is the lack of "midfield bite" following a significant injury to a key veteran leader. If Sunderland can rediscover the high-intensity pressing that saw them draw with Manchester City and beat Crystal Palace recently, they should dominate the proceedings.
Burnley: The Draw Specialists
Scott Parker’s Burnley is currently 19th in the table, but their recent form suggests a team that is becoming increasingly difficult to beat. The Clarets arrive in Kocaeli on the back of three consecutive draws against top-half opposition, including a resilient 2-2 stalemate with Tottenham Hotspur.
The January transfer window has brought fresh hope to Turf Moor. The loan signing of James Ward-Prowse from West Ham adds much-needed experience and set-piece lethalness to a squad that has often struggled to convert possession into goals. For Burnley, a point in the Northeast would be a respectable result, but three points could be the catalyst for a great escape.
Team News & Injury Reports
Sunderland Team News
The biggest blow for the hosts is the absence of captain Granit Xhaka. The Swiss international is sidelined with an ankle injury and isn't expected back for another three weeks. His absence leaves a void in the deep-lying playmaker role.
Out: Granit Xhaka (Ankle), Bertrand Traoré (Knee), Jocelyn Ta Bi (Ankle).
Returning: Habib Diarra is expected to make his first start since September after returning from injury and international duties.
Player to Watch: Brian Brobbey. The powerful striker remains Sunderland's biggest goal threat, especially when feeding off the creativity of Enzo Le Fée.
Burnley Team News
Burnley’s injury list remains extensive, but the squad is slowly returning to full strength. Zian Flemming and Joe Worrall have both been passed fit for the trip to Wearside.
Out: Josh Cullen (ACL), Zeki Amdouni (Knee), Jordan Beyer (Hamstring), Connor Roberts (Strain).
New Signings: James Ward-Prowse is expected to go straight into the matchday squad, potentially starting in a midfield three.
Player to Watch: Lyle Foster. Fresh off a goal against Spurs, Foster’s pace and movement will be the primary weapon against Sunderland’s high defensive line.
Head-to-Head (H2H) Record
Historical data shows a closely contested rivalry, though Burnley holds the upper hand in the most recent encounter.
Last Meeting: Burnley 2-0 Sunderland (August 23, 2025).
Overall Record: 210 meetings; Sunderland 85 wins, Burnley 64 wins, 61 draws.
Stadium of Light Trend: Sunderland has lost only one of their last 12 home league games against Burnley.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Sunderland (4-2-3-1):
Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Cirkin; Diarra, Sadiki; Mayenda, Le Fée, Talbi; Brobbey.
Burnley (4-3-3):
Ederson; Müldür, Worrall, Oosterwolde, Estève; Ward-Prowse, Yüksek, Brownhill; Musaba, Foster, Flemming.
Sunderland vs Burnley Prediction
While Burnley has become "hard to beat," their away record remains a massive concern, having lost 8 of their last 11 games on the road. Sunderland, despite missing Xhaka, possesses a superior attacking fluidity at home.
The match will likely be a tight affair, defined by whether Burnley can withstand the early pressure at the Stadium of Light. We expect Sunderland's home advantage to be the deciding factor.
Final Score Prediction: Sunderland 1-0 Burnley
Top Betting Tips:
Match Result: Sunderland to Win. Their home form is simply too strong to ignore against a struggling away side.
Total Goals: Under 2.5. Both teams have been involved in low-scoring games recently, and Burnley will likely set up defensively.
To Score Anytime: Brian Brobbey. The striker is due a goal at home and will be the focal point of the Black Cats' attack.
Special Bet: Under 10.5 Corners. Both teams have averaged lower corner counts in their last five league outings.
