Sunderland vs Burnley Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Monday, 2 February

Sunderland will host Burnley at the Stadium of Light on Monday, 2 February, in what promises to be an intriguing Premier League encounter. This match is crucial for both teams as they seek to secure valuable points in the league standings. Sunderland, playing on their home turf, will aim to capitalise on their familiarity with the Stadium of Light to gain an advantage over Burnley.

Burnley, meanwhile, will be eager to challenge Sunderland and claim a victory away from home. Both teams have shown resilience in their recent performances, making this matchup a potentially tight contest. As we delve into the prediction, match preview, and betting tips, the focus will be on key players and strategies that could influence the outcome of this Premier League clash.

Sunderland vs Burnley Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Burnley to win	4.97

Given the current form and tactical strengths of both teams, our recommended betting tip is Burnley to win in regular time. Despite Burnley’s recent struggles to secure victories, their tactical discipline and ability to control play can give them the upper hand against Sunderland, who often falter against well-organised sides.

• Burnley display greater stability and consistency in their gameplay, which can be decisive in tight matches.
• Sunderland have shown vulnerability against disciplined and experienced teams, which Burnley embody.
• Burnley’s ability to score late in games could prove crucial, especially considering Sunderland’s defensive lapses in the same period.

Betting Odds

Sunderland enter this Premier League clash as the favourites, with odds of 1.74 reflecting their strong home advantage at the Stadium of Light. Burnley, on the other hand, are seen as the underdogs with odds of 4.97, but they should not be discounted, as they have been known to pull off surprises.

Betting Tip	Odds
Sunderland to win	1.74
Draw	3.56
Burnley to win	4.97

The draw is priced at 3.56, which might attract those expecting a tightly contested match. For those looking at goal markets, considering Sunderland’s attacking prowess, betting on over 2.5 goals could be a savvy move.

Sunderland Analysis & Past Performance

Sunderland’s recent form has been mixed, recording two wins, two losses, and one draw in their last five matches. Notably, they secured a solid 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace but suffered a 3-0 defeat to Brentford, highlighting inconsistencies in their performances.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	League	Date
West Ham	Sunderland	3 – 1 (Defeat)	Premier League	24 Jan 2026
Sunderland	Crystal Palace	2 – 1 (Victory)	Premier League	17 Jan 2026
Everton	Sunderland	N/A	FA Cup	10 Jan 2026
Brentford	Sunderland	3 – 0 (Defeat)	Premier League	7 Jan 2026
Tottenham	Sunderland	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	4 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
Despite fluctuating results, Sunderland’s attack has been consistent, averaging 1.60 goals per game in their last five outings. However, their defence has been less robust, conceding an average of 1.80 goals per match, resulting in zero clean sheets during this period. At home, they maintain an unbeaten streak with three wins and two draws in their last five home games, indicating stronger performances at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland sit 11th in the Premier League standings with 33 points, reflecting a mid-table position. Their home form has been notably better, boasting a 60% win ratio at the Stadium of Light. Brian Brobbey, their top scorer with five goals, remains crucial to their attacking efforts. The team’s ability to score in 80% of their recent games suggests a consistent offensive threat, yet defensive lapses remain a concern.

• LWWLD

Sunderland Suspensions & Injuries

Sunderland face a challenging situation with key players such as Bertrand Traoré and Granit Xhaka sidelined due to injuries. Traoré’s knee injury and Xhaka’s ankle issue, both expected to keep them out until late February 2026, significantly affect the team’s midfield dynamics. Xhaka, in particular, is a crucial element for controlling the game’s tempo and his absence will be felt. Sunderland will need to rely on the likes of Trai Hume and Noah Sadiki to step up in midfield roles, ensuring that the team’s creativity and defensive solidity are maintained.

Daniel Ballard, who is listed in the starting line-up, is reportedly recovering from a hamstring injury but is expected to return by mid-December 2023. His presence in the line-up suggests a recovery ahead of schedule, which could bolster the defensive line. However, Sunderland must remain cautious to avoid aggravating his condition.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Daniel Ballard	Hamstring injury	Mid December 2023
Bertrand Traoré	Knee injury	Late February 2026
Granit Xhaka	Ankle injury	Late February 2026

With no suspensions reported, Sunderland’s management can focus on optimising available resources to cover for the injured players. The absence of Traoré and Xhaka will require tactical adjustments, potentially shifting the formation to accommodate the strengths of available players. Coach Régis Le Bris might consider a more defensive approach or leverage pace on the wings to exploit Burnley’s vulnerabilities, particularly in counter-attacks.

The betting markets might reflect Sunderland’s injury woes, potentially affecting their odds as underdogs against Burnley. The team’s ability to adapt to these absences will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match. Sunderland’s depth will be tested, and their resilience could prove pivotal in securing a favourable result.

Sunderland Key Players

Sunderland’s key to unlocking Burnley’s defence will likely rest on the shoulders of their top scorer, Brian Brobbey, who has already netted five goals this season. His prowess in front of goal and ability to find space make him a constant threat. As a forward, Brobbey’s physicality and technical skills could be pivotal in breaking down the opposition’s backline. His partnership with Eliezer Mayenda in the forward positions will be crucial for Sunderland’s attacking dynamics.

In midfield, Enzo Le Fée stands out as a vital playmaker. His vision and passing ability are instrumental in transitioning play from defence to attack, potentially dictating the tempo of the game. Trai Hume’s energy and work rate will complement Le Fée’s creativity, providing a balanced midfield presence. Defensively, Nordi Mukiele’s experience and leadership will be key in organising the backline, ensuring solidity against Burnley’s offensive threat.

Expected line-up for Sunderland

• Goalkeeper: Robin Roefs
• Defence: Nordi Mukiele, Daniel Ballard, Omar Alderete, Reinildo
• Midfield: Trai Hume, Noah Sadiki, Enzo Le Fée, Romaine Mundle
• Forward: Eliezer Mayenda, Brian Brobbey

Sunderland Tactics and Formation

Sunderland Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Brian Brobbey
• Midfield Engine: Enzo Le Fée
• Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wide play and aerial duels.

Sunderland’s 4-4-2 formation is designed to provide balance across the pitch, with an emphasis on width and direct play. Brian Brobbey, as the team’s top scorer, leads the line alongside Eliezer Mayenda. Their partnership is crucial in exploiting defensive gaps and converting crosses from wide areas.

In midfield, Enzo Le Fée plays a pivotal role in connecting defence and attack, supported by the industrious Romaine Mundle and Trai Hume on the flanks. This setup aims to stretch the opposition, creating space for forward runs and crosses into the box.

Defensively, Sunderland have struggled to maintain clean sheets, conceding in each of their last five matches. The backline, led by Omar Alderete and Daniel Ballard, will need to tighten up, particularly against aerial threats, to improve their defensive record.

Burnley Analysis & Past Performance

Burnley’s recent form has been inconsistent, reflecting a mixed bag of results in their last five matches. They have managed just one victory, a comprehensive 5-1 triumph over Millwall in the FA Cup, while drawing three and losing one in Premier League fixtures, including a 2-2 draw against Tottenham and a 2-2 draw against Manchester United. This run highlights their ability to score, as they averaged 2.00 goals per game, but also their defensive vulnerabilities, having conceded an average of 1.60 goals per match.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Burnley	Tottenham	2 – 2 (Draw)	Premier League	24 Jan 2026
Liverpool	Burnley	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	17 Jan 2026
Burnley	Millwall	5 – 1 (Win)	FA Cup	10 Jan 2026
Burnley	Manchester United	2 – 2 (Draw)	Premier League	7 Jan 2026
Brighton	Burnley	2 – 0 (Loss)	Premier League	3 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

• DDWDL

Burnley’s away record has been particularly concerning, as they have not secured a win in their last five away league outings, drawing two and losing three. They have struggled to keep clean sheets, with none in their last five away matches, conceding an average of 2.00 goals per game. Offensively, they have been able to find the back of the net in four of these matches, maintaining a goals scored average of 1.20 per game. These statistics underscore Burnley’s need to bolster their defence while capitalising on their attacking opportunities to improve their win ratio and league standing.

Burnley Suspensions & Injuries

Burnley face significant challenges with a number of key players unavailable due to injuries. Zeki Amdouni and Josh Cullen are sidelined with cruciate ligament injuries, affecting the team’s midfield options and depth. Connor Roberts’ strain injury, along with Louis Jordan Beyer’s knee issue, leaves the defence needing adjustments, particularly as Scott Parker navigates this period with a 3-4-3 formation.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Zeki Amdouni	Cruciate ligament injury	Early April 2026
Connor Roberts	Strain injury	Mid February 2026
Louis Jordan Beyer	Knee injury	Late February 2026
Joe Worrall	Knock injury	Doubtful
Josh Cullen	Cruciate ligament injury	Early September 2026
Zian Flemming	Knock injury	Doubtful
Mike Trésor	Ankle injury	Mid February 2026

The absence of key players such as Mike Trésor, who is out with an ankle injury, and Joe Worrall’s doubtful status due to a knock, could see Burnley relying on less experienced squad members. Players such as Axel Tuanzebe and Maxime Estève will likely be crucial in defence, while Kyle Walker may have to take on additional responsibilities in midfield.

Tactically, Burnley might lean towards a more conservative approach, focusing on solidifying their defensive structure to mitigate the impact of these absences. The lack of depth in certain positions could influence their ability to maintain high-intensity play throughout the match, which is something bettors should consider as they assess potential outcomes.

Burnley Key Players

Burnley will rely heavily on their attacking prowess, spearheaded by Armando Broja, who is crucial in the absence of top scorer Zian Flemming. Broja’s dynamic movement and ability to find the back of the net will be vital against Sunderland’s defence. Supporting him, Marcus Edwards, known for his agility and dribbling skills, will look to exploit any defensive weaknesses from the wings. In midfield, the presence of Lesley Ugochukwu will be pivotal as he provides both defensive solidity and creative impetus, crucial for controlling the tempo of the match.

Defensively, Axel Tuanzebe’s leadership and Maxime Estève’s tackling will be central to Burnley’s efforts to keep a clean sheet. Tuanzebe’s experience and ability to read the game will help marshal the backline, while Estève’s physical presence can disrupt the opponents’ attacking flow. These players’ tactical impact will likely shape Burnley’s approach, focusing on solid defence and quick transitions to catch Sunderland off guard.

Expected line-up for Burnley.

• Goalkeeper: Martin Dúbravka
• Defenders: Axel Tuanzebe, Maxime Estève, Bashir Humphreys
• Midfielders: Kyle Walker, Lesley Ugochukwu, Lucas Pires, Florentino
• Forwards: Marcus Edwards, Armando Broja, Jaidon Anthony

Burnley Tactics and Formation

Burnley Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-3
• Key Forward: Armando Broja
• Midfield Pivot: Lesley Ugochukwu and Florentino
• Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wing play and high pressing.

Burnley are set to deploy a 3-4-3 formation under Scott Parker, a strategy that aims to provide width and fluidity in attack. The midfield pairing of Lesley Ugochukwu and Florentino is tasked with both shielding the defence and initiating attacks, which is crucial given the team’s recent defensive vulnerabilities.

Offensively, the onus will be on Armando Broja to lead the line, supported by wingers Marcus Edwards and Jaidon Anthony. This front three is designed to stretch defences and exploit spaces, particularly effective in counter-attacking scenarios.

Defensively, the trio of Axel Tuanzebe, Maxime Estève, and Bashir Humphreys will need to be cohesive to mitigate the risk of conceding goals. Burnley’s lack of clean sheets in recent matches highlights a need for improved defensive organisation, especially when facing teams with potent attacking threats.

Sunderland vs Burnley Head-to-Head Record

Sunderland and Burnley have faced off 21 times, with Sunderland winning eight, Burnley taking six victories, and seven matches ending in a draw. The last encounter saw Burnley triumph 2-0 at Turf Moor in the Premier League, showcasing their strength at home.

The last time Sunderland hosted Burnley, they managed a 1-0 victory in the Championship back in August 2024. This suggests Sunderland can be a tough nut to crack at the Stadium of Light, especially considering their overall home advantage in this fixture.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	League	Date
Burnley	Sunderland	2 – 0	Premier League	2025-08-23
Burnley	Sunderland	0 – 0	Championship	2025-01-17
Sunderland	Burnley	1 – 0	Championship	2024-08-24
Burnley	Sunderland	0 – 0	Championship	2023-03-31
Sunderland	Burnley	2 – 4	Championship	2022-10-22