Top-four occupants Brighton will have to keep their feet on the ground ahead of a long trip north to take on a Sunderland side they historically haven’t enjoyed travelling to face.
Match News and Current Form
After last season’s historic top-seven finish earned Sunderland a spot in the league phase of the UEFA Europa League, this campaign was always going to be a tough act to follow. It’s so far proved to be that way for the Black Cats, who’ve won just one of their opening five league games (D1, L3), but they’ll be quick to point out that the back-to-back defeats they’ve suffered came against both Arsenal and Manchester City. Only once in the entirety of last season did they lose three league games in a row, and a solid record in this kick-off slot in home action since returning to the top flight (W5, D1, L1) should have them feeling confident of avoiding that ignominy here prior to their European campaign recommencing in the days following this match.
It’s been a fine start to the season for Brighton, who have only twice before amassed more than the ten Premier League points they have after five rounds, which is the perfect prelude for their Conference League campaign starting in the wake of this clash. Their last six points were earned with back-to-back victories before the international break, the most recent of which saw them thump reigning champions Arsenal 3-0 and affords them the chance to win three successive Premier League games to nil for the first time since October 2018. They’re unlikely to take anything for granted ahead of hitting the road, as prior to their huge 5-0 win against newly-promoted Coventry in their last such outing, the Seagulls were winless in four league road trips (D1, L3).
Head-to-Head History
Brighton won last season’s corresponding fixture 1-0, but that’s the only win they’ve managed in the last ten away league H2Hs (D2, L7).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Only one of Sunderland’s last nine home matches saw both teams score.
Sunderland attempted more shots than their opponents in their last eight competitive games.
Brighton have netted six of their eight away league goals this term after half-time.
Five of Brighton’s last six domestic away games produced over 3.5 goals.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
The referee may have to keep an eye on Sunderland’s Reinildo Mandava, who has committed an average of two fouls per game in the Premier League this season. His primary role here will be to help thwart Brighton’s Charalampos Kostoulas, who has scored before half-time in four of their five victories so far this season.
Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey and Dan Ballard picked up injuries whilst on international duty, while Brighton are hoping the break has afforded them a chance to ease their lengthy list of absentees.
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Betting Analysis
After dismantling the champions last time out, a Brighton win seems to be priced up attractively here.
Author: Chris Wilson