Sunderland vs Aston Villa Preview, Team News, Lineups and Prediction for Premier League Round 5 Clash

ChatGPT said: Sunderland host Aston Villa in a Premier League clash with Black Cats in eighth Villa winless with two points and goalless

Sunderland welcome Aston Villa to the Stadium of Light this Sunday, September 21, 2025, for a Premier League Round 5 fixture that has significant implications for both sides. 

The match kicks off at 16:00 local time and will be overseen by referee Samuel Barrott. 

It is a clash of teams with contrasting starts to the season — Sunderland looking to consolidate a strong return to the top flight, and Villa desperately seeking to end their winless run.

Preview 

The Black Cats currently sit eighth in the table with seven points from four matches, an impressive return for Regis Le Bris’ men following promotion. They have combined disciplined defending with clinical attacking play, scoring five goals and conceding just three. A win here would lift them into the European spots and further cement their credentials as one of the early surprise packages of the 2025/26 season.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, are under pressure after a poor start that sees them languishing in 19th place with just two points and no goals scored. Unai Emery’s side, who finished in the top four last season, are still searching for their first league victory. This trip to Wearside has therefore taken on added importance, as Villa risk losing ground on the mid-table pack if they fail to turn things around soon.

Granit Xhaka will again be central to Sunderland’s game plan, controlling the midfield alongside young talents like Chris Rigg and Pierre Ekwah Sadiki. Abdoulaye Adingra’s pace on the wing could prove decisive in stretching Villa’s backline, while Isidor will be tasked with converting chances up front. The Black Cats’ defensive structure, marshalled by Daniel Ballard and Omar Alderete, will be vital in keeping Ollie Watkins quiet.

Unai Emery is expected to stick with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation but faces selection headaches as he looks for attacking solutions. John McGinn and Boubacar Kamara will anchor midfield, with Jaden Philogene and Morgan Rogers providing width behind Watkins. Leon Bailey could return to the bench after missing the last game, while defensive stalwarts Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings will need to be at their best to cope with Sunderland’s transitions.

Sunderland (4-3-3, Régis Le Bris)

Goalkeeper: Anthony Moris Roefs

Defence: Trai Hume, Daniel Ballard, Omar Alderete, Reinildo Mandava

Midfield: Ibrahim Diarra, Granit Xhaka, Pierre Ekwah Sadiki

Forward: Nassim Talbi, Wilson Isidor, Abdoulaye Adingra

Aston Villa (4-2-3-1, Unai Emery)

Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez

Defence: Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Lucas Digne

Midfield: Sil Swinkels Bogarde, Boubacar Kamara

Attack: Guessand, Harvey Elliott, Morgan Rogers

Striker: Ollie Watkins

Absent: Emiliano Buendía (injured), Jacob Ramsey (injured)

Sunderland vs Aston Villa: Head To Head

The history between these two clubs is rich and competitive, with meetings spread across the Premier League and Championship over the last decade. Their most recent clash came in March 2018, when Aston Villa won 3-0 at the Stadium of Light thanks to goals from Lewis Grabban and James Chester. Earlier that season, Villa also triumphed 2-1 at Villa Park, completing a league double over the Black Cats.

Sunderland fans will look back fondly on their 3-1 Premier League victory at home in January 2016, when Jermain Defoe’s brace inspired them to a crucial win in their battle against relegation. That result underlined the Stadium of Light’s potential as a difficult venue for visiting teams when the crowd is fully engaged.

Overall, the head-to-head slightly favours Villa in recent years, but Sunderland’s return to the top flight and renewed confidence could make this encounter far more even. This match represents an opportunity for the Black Cats to flip the script and assert themselves against a historically superior opponent.

Sunderland Form (Last 5 Matches)

Sunderland have been one of the most consistent performers among the newly-promoted sides, picking up two wins, two draws, and just one defeat in their last five matches across all competitions. Their campaign began with an emphatic 3-0 win over West Ham United on the opening day, which immediately boosted confidence.

They suffered their only recent defeat against Burnley (0-2) on August 23, a match where defensive lapses were punished clinically. However, they quickly recovered, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Brentford on August 30. Their defensive organisation was once again on display in their goalless draw with Crystal Palace last time out.

This steady form has given Le Bris’ side a platform to build on. With Xhaka pulling the strings in midfield and Adingra offering pace and creativity, Sunderland look well-balanced and capable of challenging established Premier League sides.

Aston Villa Form (Last 5 Matches)

Aston Villa’s form has been concerning, with no wins in their last five matches and three defeats in that span. Their most disappointing results have come in the Premier League, where they suffered losses to Crystal Palace (0-3) and Brentford (0-1). The lack of goals is a particular worry, with Villa yet to score in the league this season.

Their draws against Everton (0-0) and Newcastle United (0-0) have shown defensive resilience, but their attacking output has been toothless. Watkins has cut a frustrated figure up front, often isolated without sufficient service from the creative players behind him.

The EFL Cup draw with Brentford (1-1) showed slight improvement, but Emery knows his side must start converting chances if they are to climb out of the relegation zone. This match could serve as a turning point — or deepen the crisis if their winless run continues.

Sunderland vs Aston Villa: Prediction

This clash sets up as a fascinating battle between a side brimming with confidence and another desperate to find its rhythm. Sunderland’s midfield trio has been crucial in controlling games, and if Xhaka is allowed time on the ball, he can dictate proceedings. The home crowd will look to create an intimidating atmosphere and push their team forward.

Villa will hope their experienced players can step up under pressure. Kamara and McGinn must impose themselves in midfield to stop Sunderland’s build-up play, while Watkins needs service to test Roefs in goal. Defensive concentration will also be vital, as Sunderland have shown the ability to exploit spaces on the counter.

Expect a tight encounter with Sunderland edging possession and Villa growing into the game as it progresses. The first goal could prove decisive, with neither side likely to want to chase the game given their current priorities.