Premier League 2025-2026: Sunderland-Burnley, the likely lineups

Monday night’s match between Sunderland and Burnley closes an intense 24th day of the Premier League. The two sides face each other in a clash that sets the stage for two very different seasonal stories. The hosts, newly promoted, are in fact surprising in the league while the guests are struggling to move away from the hot spot in the standings.

The Black Cats are experiencing a chiaroscuro season but with several positive signs, especially within the home walls. Currently eleventh in the standings with thirty-three points, Regis Le Bris’ team has built a fortress at home, where it has never been beaten in the league this season. Despite some recent setbacks, the red and whites have shown they can hold their own against even high-profile formations, picking up points against Tottenham and Manchester City. However, the absence of a leader like Granit Xhaka due to an ankle injury is a weighty problem in the midfield. The French coach relies on Roefs in goal, 4-man defensive line with former Psg Mukiele and Cirkin on the flanks, central Ballard and Alderete. In the midfield in place of Xhaka will be Habib Diarra fresh from winning the African Cup of Nations along with Sadiki. Three-quarter formed by Talbi on the left, central Le Fee and Hume on the right who will support the’only forward Brobbey.

Burnley’s season is much more complicated. The Clarets occupy the nineteenth place with only fifteen points won and come to the challenge with a very long period without a win in the league: there are fourteen matches without three points, the last one being dated November 26 at the field of Wolves last in the standings. Despite some solid defensive performances against top clubs such as Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United (which resulted in draws) the lack of incisiveness and difficulty in getting concrete results remain evident. The team led by Scott Parker lined up with a three-man defense consisting of Humphreys, Esteve and Tuanzebe defending the goal manned by Dubravka. Four-man midfield line with two outfielders to be Kyle Walker and Lucas Pires, the two midfielders being Ugochukwu and Florentino. Marcus Edwards and Jaidon Anthony will serve the’only Broja point.

SUNDERLAND (4-3-3): Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Cirkin; Diarra, Sadiki, Le Fée; Hume, Talbi, Brobbey. All. Le Bris.

BURNLEY (3-4-2-1): Dubravka; Humphreys, Esteve, Tuanzebe; Walker, Ugochukwu, Florentino, Pires; Edwards, Anthony; Foster. All. Parker.