Sunderland vs Brentford Preview, Prediction, Betting Tips, Team News & Lineups

The Stadium of Light will host a new Premier League match on Saturday afternoon with Sunderland hosting Brentford in gameweek three of the 2025/26 season.

Both teams are tied with three points in their first two matches but they also walk into this one with different fortunes. Sunderland are seeking to recover following series of losses in both leagues and cup competition, with Brentford coming in with a feel-good factor of two wins in every contest. Because both clubs will be battling in the bottom half this season, this already has the air of a six-pointer.

Match Preview

Sunderland began the ideal life back in the premier league by beating West Ham United (3-0) on the first Sunday of the season. The men of Regis Le Bris, however, were soon brought into harsh reality when they were beaten away to fellow newcomers Burnley 2-0 then beaten out of the EFL Cup on penalties by Huddersfield Town.

Although such defeats might hurt confidence, home form can become the lifeline of Sunderland in this season. A win in this case would mean they win the first two home games in the top-flight of a season only the second such time in the history of the Premier League which happened in 2001/02.

Brentford on their part commenced their campaign with a poor start of 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest. However, since then Keith Andrews has helped it straighten out, orchestrating a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa, and sealing a 2-0 victory at the EFL Cup at Bournemouth. The Bees will be eager to justify themselves on the road and continue with their good recent record against recently-promoted sides.

Form Guide

Sunderland (last 5 competitive matches):

Loss: Huddersfield (EFL Cup, pens)
Loss: Burnley 0-2 (A, Premier League)
Win: West Ham 3-0 (H, Premier League)

Brentford (last 5 competitive matches):

Win: Bournemouth 2-0 (EFL Cup)
Win: Aston Villa 1-0 (H, Premier League)
Loss: Nottingham Forest 1-3 (A, Premier League)

Head-to-Head Record

This will be the 20th competitive meeting between the sides, and Sunderland narrowly edge the historical record with nine wins compared to Brentford’s six.

Total meetings: 19
Sunderland wins: 9
Brentford wins: 6
Draws: 4

Team News

Sunderland

Injuries in defence have struck the Black Cats with Daniel Ballard (groin) joining Aji Alese, Dennis Cirkin, Luke O’Nien, Leo Hjelde and Romaine Mundle. Niall Huggins is also a question following a go-off with Huddersfield. Nordi Mukiele, who signed summer on a non-competitiveness basis, may feature in a reorganised back line.

Brentford

Keith Andrews also expresses some concerns, and Vitaly Janelt, Gustavo Nunes, Paris Maghoma and Yunus Konak were carrying knocks. Frank Onyeka is a doubt following a midweek forced off, and a wantaway forward Yoane Wissa is unsure to play following transfer rumours.

Predicted Lineups

Sunderland (4-3-3):
Roefs; Mukiele, Seelt, Alderete, Reinildo; Diarra, Xhaka, Sadiki; Talbi, Mayenda, Adingra

Brentford (4-2-3-1):
Kelleher; Kayode, Collins, Van den Berg, Lewis-Potter; Henderson, Yarmolyuk; Ouattara, Damsgaard, Schade; Thiago

Betting Tips

Both Teams to Score - Brentford have scored in all their three competitive matches so far and Sunderland showed that they can trouble at home as evidenced by their opening performance against West Ham.

Accurate Score - Sunderland 2-1 Brentford. The Black Cats have possibly sufficient attacking intensity to win a narrow match particularly with the home benefit.

Anytime Scorer: Eliezer Mayenda - The young forward opened his account against West Ham and seems to be able to do it one more time.

Prediction

This confrontation is full of the signs of a close fight at the bottom. Sunderland will be keen on taking advantage of their home crowd and retaliate on recent losses whilst Brentford are slowly building momentum under Keith Andrews.

Both teams are likely to score but the home advantage, as well as the attacking threat, of Sunderland might see them across the line.

Prediction: Sunderland 2-1 Brentford