Brentford vs Sunderland Prediction & Match Preview – Wednesday, 7 January

Our Brentford vs Sunderland prediction and match preview sets the stage for an intriguing Premier League clash on Wednesday, 7 January. Taking place at the Gtech Community Stadium, this encounter sees Brentford hosting Sunderland in what promises to be a competitive matchup. Both teams are eager to make their mark in the league, with Brentford aiming to capitalise on their home advantage.

The Gtech Community Stadium will be buzzing as Brentford, known for their resilient performances, face off against Sunderland, who are looking to climb the Premier League standings. This match is significant for both sides as they seek valuable points to boost their positions. Fans can expect a tactical battle as these two English teams go head-to-head, each with their own strategies to secure a win.

Brentford vs Sunderland Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Brentford to Win	1.84

Considering current form and historical performance, our recommended betting tip is to back Brentford to win. With odds of 1.84, this presents significant value given Brentford’s recent home dominance and Sunderland’s struggles away from home.

• Brentford have scored in 80% of their home matches this season, demonstrating their attacking prowess and consistency.
• Sunderland have not won in four consecutive matches, indicating a lack of form and confidence.
• The absence of Sunderland’s key defender Aji Alese further weakens their chances, especially against a Brentford side in good form.

Brentford’s solid home form, coupled with a superior league position, sets them up as strong favourites against a Sunderland side that has lost their last four matches in this competition.

Betting Odds

Brentford enter the match as favourites with odds of 1.84, reflecting their strong home form at the Gtech Community Stadium. Sunderland, meanwhile, are priced at 4.30, suggesting they are the underdogs but could offer a decent payout for those backing an upset.

Betting Tip	Odds
Brentford to win	1.84
Draw	3.53
Sunderland to win	4.3

The draw is currently at 3.53, which may tempt punters expecting a tightly contested match. Given both teams’ recent performances, there could be value in exploring the over 2.5 goals market as well.

Brentford Analysis & Recent Performance

Brentford’s recent form has been impressive, with three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five league games. Their attacking prowess is clear, having scored 11 goals (an average of 2.2 per match), while conceding only 4, demonstrating solid defensive capabilities as well.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Everton	Brentford	2 – 4 (Win)	Premier League	4 Jan 2026
Brentford	Tottenham	0 – 0 (Draw)	Premier League	1 Jan 2026
Brentford	Bournemouth	4 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	27 Dec 2025
Wolverhampton	Brentford	0 – 2 (Win)	Premier League	20 Dec 2025
Manchester City	Brentford	2 – 0 (Loss)	EFL Cup	17 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
At home, Brentford remain formidable, maintaining an unbeaten streak with a win ratio of 60% from their last five home games. This is bolstered by their ability to keep clean sheets, achieving two in their recent fixtures. Their robust midfield control is reflected in their 55% possession in the recent 4-2 victory over Everton, highlighting their ability to dominate play.

Key Insights:

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Igor Thiago continues to be a key figure, contributing significantly with 14 goals this season. Brentford’s defensive organisation is also noteworthy, with a clean sheets ratio of 40% over their last five matches. However, they need to improve their consistency, as indicated by their draw against Tottenham and previous loss to Manchester City. Currently sitting 7th in the league with 30 points, Brentford’s tactical discipline and attacking efficiency make them a tough opponent at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Brentford Suspensions & Injuries

Brentford’s upcoming match against Sunderland will be impacted by several key injuries. Notably, Joshua Da Silva is sidelined due to knee surgery, with a return expected in late January 2026. This absence significantly affects Brentford’s midfield creativity and depth, as Da Silva has been a pivotal player in their central playmaking roles.

Meanwhile, the long-term injuries of Antoni Milambo and Fábio Carvalho, both suffering from cruciate ligament injuries, further deplete the team’s options, particularly in attacking positions. With Milambo expected back only in mid-August 2026 and Carvalho out for the season, Brentford will need to rely heavily on their current starters to maintain attacking fluidity.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Antoni Milambo	Cruciate ligament injury	Mid August 2026
Joshua Da Silva	Knee surgery	Late January 2026
Fábio Carvalho	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for the season

In terms of tactical adjustments, coach Keith Andrews may have to adapt by utilising more defensive-minded midfielders like Vitaly Janelt to compensate for the creative void left by Da Silva. This could lead to a more conservative approach, potentially affecting Brentford’s attacking prowess.

From a betting perspective, these injuries might sway punters to consider the potential impact on Brentford’s ability to dominate the midfield and create scoring opportunities. The lack of depth could also influence live betting markets, particularly if the match remains tight and Brentford struggle to break down Sunderland’s defence.

Brentford Key Players

Igor Thiago stands out as Brentford’s top scorer, having netted an impressive 14 goals this season. His clinical finishing and ability to exploit defensive gaps make him a formidable threat against Sunderland. Thiago’s presence at the forefront of the attack is vital, as he combines physical strength with agility, often finding himself in the right place at the right time to convert chances.

Supporting Thiago in the forward thrust is Mikkel Damsgaard, whose playmaking abilities from midfield are crucial. Damsgaard’s vision and precise passing can unlock defences, providing Thiago with the necessary service. In defence, Kristoffer Vassbakk Ajer’s leadership and aerial prowess are essential in maintaining a solid backline.

Expected lineup for Brentford

• Goalkeeper: Caoimhin Kelleher
• Defence: Michael Kayode, Kristoffer Vassbakk Ajer, Nathan Collins, Aaron Hickey
• Midfield: Yehor Yarmoliuk, Vitaly Janelt, Mathias Jensen, Mikkel Damsgaard, Kevin Schade
• Forward: Igor Thiago

With a balanced mix of defensive solidity and attacking flair, these key players are pivotal to Brentford’s tactical approach. Ajer’s defensive strength, coupled with Damsgaard’s creativity and Thiago’s scoring touch, will likely shape Brentford’s strategy, focusing on solidifying their defence while capitalising on quick transitions to catch Sunderland off guard.

Brentford Tactics & Formation

Brentford Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Igor Thiago
• Midfield Pivot: Vitaly Janelt and Mathias Jensen
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and quick transitions

Brentford’s 4-2-3-1 formation is designed to provide a balance between a solid defensive setup and attacking fluidity. The midfield duo of Vitaly Janelt and Mathias Jensen is crucial, offering both defensive cover and the ability to transition play forward effectively. Mikkel Damsgaard, as the attacking midfielder, links the midfield to the forward line, supporting Igor Thiago, who is pivotal in the attacking third.

Defensively, Brentford rely on the central partnership of Kristoffer Vassbakk Ajer and Nathan Collins, with Aaron Hickey and Michael Kayode offering width and support from the full-back positions. This structure has helped Brentford keep two clean sheets in their last five matches, showcasing their defensive resilience.

Offensively, Brentford’s approach often involves high pressing to regain possession quickly and exploit spaces during transitions. Igor Thiago, the team’s top scorer, plays a crucial role in converting these opportunities, supported by wingers Kevin Schade and Yehor Yarmoliuk.

Sunderland Analysis & Recent Performance

Sunderland have displayed steady, albeit unspectacular, form recently, with resilience being a dominant feature. Over the last five matches, they have managed a solitary win against Newcastle (1-0), while drawing the other four fixtures, including a commendable 1-1 draw against Tottenham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Tottenham	Sunderland	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	4 Jan 2026
Sunderland	Manchester City	0 – 0 (Draw)	Premier League	1 Jan 2026
Sunderland	Leeds	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	28 Dec 2025
Brighton	Sunderland	0 – 0 (Draw)	Premier League	20 Dec 2025
Sunderland	Newcastle	1 – 0 (Win)	Premier League	14 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Sunderland’s attacking output has been modest, averaging just 0.6 goals per game in their last five encounters. Defensively, they have been relatively robust, conceding an average of 0.4 goals per match, which has resulted in three clean sheets. Their lack of wins on the road is notable, with no victories from their last five away fixtures, highlighting a winless away form that needs addressing.

Currently sitting 8th in the Premier League standings with 30 points, Sunderland have a win ratio of 20% over their last five games. Wilson Isidor has been a key player, contributing 4 goals this season. The team’s ability to grind out results through strong defensive performances is evident, but their attacking prowess remains an area requiring improvement.

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Sunderland Suspensions & Injuries

Sunderland’s defensive options are somewhat limited by the absence of Daniel Ballard, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury expected to keep him out until mid-December 2023. Although not a part of the starting lineup against Brentford, his absence reduces depth in central defence, potentially impacting Sunderland’s ability to rotate their squad effectively during this busy period. Aji Alese is also unavailable due to a shoulder injury, with his return not expected until late January 2026, further limiting defensive cover.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Daniel Ballard	Hamstring Injury	Mid December 2023
Aji Alese	Shoulder Injury	Late January 2026

Without Ballard and Aji Alese, Sunderland may rely more heavily on Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete, both of whom are expected to start. Mukiele’s versatility could be crucial, allowing for potential shifts in formation if tactical adjustments are required during the game. This could mean a more conservative approach, ensuring defensive solidity against a Brentford side that can be dangerous on home turf.

With no suspensions, Sunderland’s midfield and attacking options remain intact, allowing coach Régis Le Bris to field a strong lineup. However, the defensive gaps might lead to a more cautious strategy, affecting the overall balance of the team. Bettors should consider these defensive constraints, as they could influence Sunderland’s performance and the match’s final outcome.

Sunderland Key Players

Sunderland’s attacking threat is spearheaded by Wilson Isidor, who leads the team with 4 goals this season. Isidor’s ability to find space and finish with precision makes him a constant threat to Brentford’s defence. His role as a forward is crucial, providing the cutting edge to Sunderland’s attacking play. His partnership with Brian Brobbey up front is anticipated to be dynamic, as Brobbey’s physicality complements Isidor’s finesse.

In midfield, Granit Xhaka brings experience and leadership, orchestrating play from the centre. His distribution and ability to break up opposition attacks are vital. Enzo Le Fée and Simon Adingra add creativity and pace, offering Sunderland the versatility to switch between direct and possession-based play.

Expected lineup for Sunderland

• Goalkeeper: Robin Roefs
• Defenders: Trai Hume, Nordi Mukiele, Omar Alderete, Dennis Cirkin
• Midfielders: Lutsharel Geertruida, Granit Xhaka, Eliezer Mayenda, Enzo Le Fée, Simon Adingra
• Forward: Brian Brobbey

Sunderland Tactics & Formation

Sunderland Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Brian Brobbey
• Midfield Pivot: Granit Xhaka and Lutsharel Geertruida
• Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Solid defensive organisation and midfield control.

Sunderland’s 4-2-3-1 formation is structured to provide a balance between defence and attack. The presence of Granit Xhaka and Lutsharel Geertruida in midfield offers a blend of defensive resilience and playmaking capabilities. This combination is vital for maintaining possession and dictating the pace of the game, especially in away fixtures.

Defensively, Sunderland have shown competence, achieving three clean sheets in their last five matches. The backline, featuring Trai Hume and Dennis Cirkin as full-backs, with Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete at the heart of defence, is pivotal in maintaining this solidity.

Offensively, the team relies on the dynamic support of Enzo Le Fée and Simon Adingra, who operate behind the main striker, Brian Brobbey. Despite the absence of Wilson Isidor due to injury, Sunderland’s tactical setup remains effective, emphasising structured build-up play and exploiting spaces in opposition defences.

Brentford vs Sunderland Head-to-Head Record

Brentford and Sunderland have faced off four times in recent history, with Brentford winning twice, Sunderland once, and one match ending in a draw. The last encounter saw Sunderland edge out a 2-1 victory at home in the Premier League.

The last time Brentford hosted Sunderland was back in 2017 during a Championship match, which ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw. Brentford will be looking to leverage their home advantage at the Gtech Community Stadium this time around.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Sunderland	Brentford	2 – 1	Premier League	2025-08-30
Sunderland	Brentford	0 – 2	Championship	2018-02-17
Brentford	Sunderland	3 – 3	Championship	2017-10-21
Brentford	Sunderland	2 – 1	FA Cup	2006-01-28