Aston Villa vs Sunderland Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Aston Villa have enjoyed an impressive midweek as they welcome a Sunderland side that are in the hunt for European qualification to Villa Park on Sunday afternoon.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports+ / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – Sky Sports+ / USA – Peacock
Aston Villa preview: Strong Villa
Unai Emery and his Aston Villa side come into this one on the back of an impressive 4-0 hammering of Bologna in the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League, completing a 7-1 aggregate win with goals from Ollie Watkins, Emi Buendia, Morgan Rogers and Ezri Konsa.
The Villans are now unbeaten in their last four matches across all competitions as they sit tucked inside the top four, seeking to complete UEFA Champions League qualification.
Sunderland preview: Steady Black Cats
Regis Le Bris and his Sunderland side have been extremely impressive, following their promotion to the top-flight last season. The Black Cats have been in excellent form of late with three victories in their last four matches.
The Wearsiders went into the March international break on the back of a come from behind defeat of Newcastle United before a 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, courtesy of a 61st minute winner scored by defender Nordi Mukiele.
Aston Villa team news: Kamara still out
France international defensive midfielder Boubacar Kamara is sidelined for the rest of this season, while Brazilian attacker has not yet got fully fit.
There is a possibility of a few changes for this one after their clash against Bologna but their second-leg wasn't too taxing as they hammered the Italian side.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Onana, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Bailey; Watkins
Unavailable: Kamara (Injured), Alysson (Injured)
Questionable:
Sunderland team news: Ballard back
In his pre-match press conference, Regis Le Bris has confirmed that Northern Ireland international centre-back Dan Ballard has returned to full fitness and he is back available for this one.
They also have some attackers returning to full fitness for this weekend with Bertrand Traore close to being back available alongside Nilson Angulo and Jocelin Ta Bi.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Roefs; Geertruida, Ballard, Alderete, Hume; Diarra, Xhaka, Sadiki; Talbi, Mayenda, Le Fee
Unavailable: Moore (Injured), Mundle (Injured)
Questionable: Ta Bi (Injured), Angulo (Injured), Traore (Injured)
Aston Villa vs Sunderland prediction
Aston Villa were in indifferent form through the start of this calendar year but they have returned to form at the right time and have the opportunity to enjoy a brilliant and famous end to the campaign. They do, though, come up against a stubborn and solid Sunderland side that will believe they can frustrate a potentially fatigued Villa and so a lower scoring encounter seems a good bet for this one in Birmingham.
Aston Villa vs Sunderland tip: Under 2.5 goals
