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Sunderland vs Burnley Preview: Team News & Prediction

by Trystan Pugh · January 31 2026, 01:56
Sunderland vs Burnley Preview: Team News & Prediction

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

Two of the promoted sides face off on Monday as Burnley challenge Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / USA – USA Network

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Fubo

Sunderland team news: Quartet missing for Black Cats

Granit Xhaka is progressing in his recovery from an ankle injury but is still at least three weeks away from involvement, while a similar complaint will keep AFCON returnee Arthur Masuaku out for at least a month.

January signing Jocelin Ta Bi is working on his fitness and will not be considered for a squad place just yet.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Sadiki, Geertruida, Diarra, Le Fee, Talbi; Brobbey

Unavailable: Masuaku (Injured), Xhaka (Injured), Traore (Injured), Ta Bi (Fitness)

Questionable:

Burnley team news: Duo return

Both Joe Worrall and Zian Flemming are set to be involved in the squad after a successful return to training, and could see pitch-time in this fixture.

That leaves Scott Parker without five players through injury, with Mike Tresor perhaps the next player to return to the fold.

Predicted XI (3-4-3): Dubravka; Tuanzebe, Esteve, Worrall; Walker, Ugochukwu, Florentino, Pires; Edwards, Broja, Anthony

Unavailable: Beyer (Injured), Roberts (Injured), Cullen (Injured), Tresor (Injured), Amdouni (Injured)

Questionable:

Sunderland vs Burnley prediction

Given how impressive Sunderland have been this season, the 3-1 defeat to struggling West Ham last weekend was something of a shock to the system for the Black Cats, who sorely missed Granit Xhaka.

Their home form remains extremely strong though, with the Stadium of Light having witnessed no defeats in any competition this season.

Fellow promoted side Burnley have cause for optimism as they are coming off the back of three impressive draws against Tottenham, Liverpool and Man Utd in the Premier League.

The Clarets remain well adrift of safety though, and they have a tremendous amount of work to do if they are to pull off an unlikely escape.

After shipping three goals last weekend, Sunderland will likely keep things tight here, and they have enough firepower to earn the win on home turf.

Sunderland vs Burnley tip: Sunderland to win

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