Match Preview: Sunderland vs. Burnley - Expert Analysis

The top two of the Championship face off against eachother on Saturday in one of the 3 O'Clock kickoffs as one of the sides' perfect starts is expected to be ended. After Burnley were relegated to the Championship, despite the departure of manager Vincent Kompany, the Clarets have performed like Champiopnship winners so far this season. After seasons of hope and disappointment, Sunderland look to make a real push for promotion this year and have been faultless so far in the Championship.

Sunderland vs. Burnley Standings

Sunderland are currently second in the table only on goal difference after winning their opening two games. In these two games, the Black Cats have scored 6 goals and conceded none, giving them a goal difference of 6.

Burnley are the only team above Sunderland thanks to a superior goal difference as the Clarets won their opening two games as well but despite conceding more than Sunderland in that time they also scored more, giving them a goal difference of 8 after just two games.

Sunderland vs. Burnley head to head

17 Jan 2017 - Burnley 2-0 Sunderland

18 Mar 2017 - Sunderland 0-0 Burnley

28 Aug 2019 - Burnley 1-3 Sunderland

22 Oct 2022 - Sunderland 2-4 Burnley

31 Mar 2023 - Burnley 0-0 Sunderland

Sunderland vs. Burnley top scorers

Sunderland

1. Luke O'Nien - 2 goals
2. Eliezer Mayenda - 2 goals
3. Jack Clarke - 1 goal

Burnley

1. Josh Brownhill - 2 goals
2. Vitinho - 1 goal
3. Luca Koleosho - 1 goal

Sunderland vs. Burnley Team News

Sunderland currently have not injury issues and are expected to play the same XI that beat Sheffield Wednesday last week.

Bashir Humphreys could start for Burnlye over Dara O'Shea after signing from Chelsea. As well, Sander Berge has left to join Fulham and will be missed in the Burnley midfield.

Sunderland vs. Burnley Predicted Line-ups

Sunderland: Patterson; Hume, O'Nien, Alese, Cirkin; Neil, Bellingham; Roberts, Rigg, Clarke; Mayenda.

Burnley: Hladky; Roberts, O'Shea, Esteve, Pires; Vitinho, Cullen, Brownhill, Koleosho; Rodriguez, Foster.

Sunderland vs. Burnley Player to Watch

The player to watch for this match is Eliezer Mayenda. The Spanish forward got himself a brace last time out in Sunderland's 4-0 thrashing of Sheffield Wednesday. There will now be a bit of pressure on the player to perform again but as the saying goes, pressure makes diamonds. With 3.65 shots per 90 and 0.33 goals per shot this season, Mayenda looks to be on hot form and will be a massive danger for the Burnley defence.

Where can I watch Sunderland vs. Burnley?

This match is unavailable to watch in the UK.