Brighton & Hove Albion vs Sunderland Predictions, Lineups & Betting Tips

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Sunderland Predictions, Lineups & Betting Tips

Match Details: December 20th, 2025 | American Express Stadium | Premier League | 15:00 (GMT)

A fascinating clash of tactical intent awaits at the Amex as the Albion welcome newly promoted Sunderland. The Seagulls, despite facing suspensions to key defensive and midfield figures, will rely on their fluid, possession-based football to unlock a disciplined Black Cats side that has proven tough to break down since their return to the top flight. For Sunderland, who are aiming to continue their insane season off the back of an iconic derby day win, this trip south is a true test of their Premier League credentials.

Key Betting Tip: Brighton & Hove Albion to Win at 1.62 odds (talkSPORT BET) represents excellent value based on the tip provided by our team of in-house tipsters.

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Sunderland Predicted Lineups

Brighton & Hove Albion Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Verburggen (GK), Kadioglu, Boscagli, van Hecke, Wieffer; Hinshelwood, Ayari, Mitoma, Rutter, Gruda, Welbeck

Team News: Tzimas, Webster, and March are all absent due to long-term injury. Baleba is away with Cameroon at the AFCON. Gomez and Dunk are suspended due to yellow card accumulation.

Sunderland Predicted XI: Roefs (GK), Hume, Alderete, Ballard, Mukiele; Rigg, Xhaka, Mayenda, Le Fee, Mundle, Brobbey

Team News: O’Nien is suspended due to his red card against Manchester City. Talbi, Reinildo, Traore, Masuaku, Sadiki, and Diarra are all away at the AFCON. Both squads are looking extremely thin, especially Sunderland’s, who could rely on call-ups from the youth team, as well as the reintroduction of Mundle, Rigg, Mayenda and even Dan Niel or Ian Poveda.

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Sunderland Current League Standings

Brighton & Hove Albion find themselves in 10th position with 23 points, a solid standing for their free-flowing, albeit occasionally inconsistent, style of play. They sit just three points off the European places, indicating their enduring ambition.

Sunderland have been the season's surprise package, currently occupying 7th place on 26 points, level with the established forces of Liverpool and Manchester United. The Black Cats' defensive resilience (17 conceded) has been key, positioning them as genuine contenders for an unexpected push towards European qualification.

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Sunderland Head-to-Head Timeline

This pair first met in the second tier during the late 50s/early 60s, but have not met in a league fixture since the 2004/05 season, the only campaign they have met in since the 1991/91 season, due to Brighton’s absence from the top flight until the pair swapped positions in the Premier League back in 2017.

In the 35 games played between them, their record is completely even with 14 wins apiece and 7 draws.

21st Century Head-to-Head Results:

• August 2011: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0 Sunderland (League Cup)
• February 2005: Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Sunderland (Championship)
• October 2004: Sunderland 2-0 Brighton & Hove Albion (Championship)

Recent Brighton & Hove Albion and Sunderland Matches Analysis

Brighton & Hove Albion Last 5 Matches:

• Liverpool 2-0 Brighton & Hove Albion (Premier League)
• Brighton & Hove Albion 1-1 West Ham United (Premier League)
• Brighton & Hove Albion 3-4 Aston Villa (Premier League)
• Nottingham Forest 0-2 Brighton & Hove Albion (Premier League)
• Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Brentford (Premier League)

Brighton have hit a bit of a sticky patch in December after a bright start to the season. They’ve managed two wins in their last five league outings, and are winless in three. Consistency has been hard to come by; they suffered a bruising 4-3 defeat at home to Aston Villa and a 2-0 loss at Anfield just last weekend, while grinding out a frustrating 1-1 draw against West Ham.

Sunderland Last 5 Matches:

• Sunderland 1-0 Newcastle (Premier League)
• Manchester City 3-0 Sunderland (Premier League)
• Liverpool 1-1 Sunderland (Premier League)
• Sunderland 3-2 Bournemouth (Premier League)
• Fulham 1-0 Sunderland (Premier League)

Sunderland have had a lighter schedule without European or Carabao Cup football this month, allowing them to focus entirely on the league. Their recent 1-0 win over Newcastle and a gritty 1-1 draw at Anfield show a team that thrives on the big occasion, though their 3-0 loss at the Etihad serves as a reminder of the gap they are still trying to bridge.

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Sunderland Predictions

Our advanced algorithm analyses over 200 data points to generate these predictions with % confidence in a win. The model factors in current form, head-to-head records, player availability, and tactical matchups.

Best Brighton & Hove Albion vs Sunderland Betting Tips

**Football Park’s Best Bet: ** - Our team of in-house betting tipsters have predicted in this fixture. Their superior form and head-to-head record justify confidence in this selection.

Key Players to Watch: Brighton & Hove Albion vs Sunderland

Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton & Hove Albion): With several midfielders out through suspension or AFCON duty, Kaoru Mitoma returns to the spotlight as Brighton's creative engine. The Japanese winger has recently returned to full fitness and remains one of the league's most dangerous 1v1 players. His stats show he is a constant menace in the final third, averaging high numbers for touches in the opposition box. Against a Sunderland side that likes to keep a compact shape, Mitoma’s ability to drive past defenders on the left flank and create overloads will be essential for the Seagulls to break the deadlock and end their recent winless run.

Granit Xhaka (Sunderland): Veteran Xhaka has become the undisputed heartbeat of this high-flying Sunderland side. Starting all 16 Premier League games so far, Xhaka has provided a level of elite control rarely seen in promoted teams, tallying 1 goal and 4 assists from deep. His leadership was the catalyst for the recent 1-0 derby win over Newcastle. Against Brighton’s press, Xhaka's ability to dictate the tempo will be the difference between a Sunderland win and a long afternoon of defending.

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Sunderland Match Facts

Broadcast Details: N/A due to UK 3 pm broadcast blackout.

Stadium Information: The Amex Stadium is the modern home of Brighton & Hove Albion, officially opened in 2011 following a long and challenging journey for the club to secure a permanent base. Geographically, it is located in Falmer, near the city of Brighton & Hove, England. Since its inauguration and subsequent expansions, the venue has a current capacity of approximately 31,876 spectators.

Referee: Darren England (England)