Sunderland vs. Wolverhampton Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 18 October 2025

On October 18, 2025, Sunderland hosts Wolverhampton at the Stadium of Light in a crucial Premier League clash. Sunderland, sitting ninth in the league, aims to bolster their mid-table position against bottom-placed Wolves, who desperately need their first win.
Recent form favors Sunderland’s solid home record, having secured two wins and two draws at home, conceding only three goals. Conversely, Wolves are struggling with just two points from the first seven rounds and have scored only two goals in their last three away fixtures.
Sunderland’s top scorer Wilson Isidor will look to add to his tally against a leaky Wolves defense. With bookmakers favoring Sunderland at 2.45 odds to win, and given Wolverhampton’s dire form, the recommended bet is indeed Sunderland to win.
Referee Robert Jones will oversee the match, adding a layer of intrigue given his history of awarding penalties this season.
Overall, with Sunderland’s defensive resilience and Wolves’ ongoing struggles, it’s shaping up to be a rather critical match for both sides.

Sunderland vs Wolverhampton Prediction & Betting tip

Sunderland vs Wolverhampton Prediction
Betting tip	Sunderland to win

• Sunderland are unbeaten at home this season in the Premier League, boasting two wins and two draws.
• Wolverhampton are struggling at the bottom of the table with just two points from seven matches and have yet to win a game.
• Sunderland’s solid defensive record, having conceded only three goals at home, makes them robust against a Wolves side that has managed only two goals in their last three away games.
  Given Sunderland’s current form and Wolverhampton’s ongoing struggles, the recommended bet is for Sunderland to secure a win in this match.

Sunderland vs Wolverhampton Odds

Sunderland vs Wolverhampton Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Sunderland to win	2.45
Draw	3.04
Wolverhampton to win	3.10

Sunderland are the bookmaker’s favorites to clinch a win at 2.45 odds, reflecting their stronger form and solid home performances.
A draw is valued at 3.04, suggesting it could be a close encounter but tilting towards Sunderland’s favor.
Wolverhampton’s odds to win are higher at 3.10, indicative of their struggles at the bottom of the table with no wins so far this season.
Whether you’re backing Sunderland’s resilient home defense, expecting an unexpected draw, or hoping for a turnaround from Wolves, these odds provide intriguing options for prospective bettors.

Sunderland Team Analysis

Sunderland Recent Performance

Sunderland have displayed a consistent run of form, highlighted by their recent results. Their last five matches include:

• Manchester United – Sunderland 2-0
• Nottingham Forest – Sunderland 0-1
• Sunderland – Aston Villa 1-1
• Crystal Palace – Sunderland 0-0
• Sunderland – Brentford 2-1

This pattern of two wins, two draws, and one loss (WDDWL) indicates a balanced yet promising trajectory.
Sunderland have averaged 0.8 goals scored per game in their last five fixtures while maintaining a strong defense with two clean sheets in that span. Conceding just 0.9 goals per game this season, their defensive stability at the Stadium of Light will be crucial against Wolverhampton. The Black Cats’ ability to hold firm at the back and sneak goals, especially in the latter stages of the games, sets the tone for a promising performance this Saturday.

Sunderland Key Players

Sunderland’s performance will heavily depend on the prowess of their top scorer, Wilson Isidor, who has netted 3 goals this season. His ability to find the back of the net will be crucial against Wolverhampton’s vulnerable defense.
Midfield maestro Enzo Le Fee will be another key player, providing creativity and control in the center. Granit Xhaka’s experience and solidity will be vital in shielding the backline.
Expected lineup for Sunderland:

• Goalkeeper: Robin Roefs
• Defenders: Trai Hume, Nordi Mukiele, Daniel Ballard, Arthur Masuaku
• Midfielders: Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Bertrand Traore, Enzo Le Fee, Simon Adingra
• Forwards: Wilson Isidor

The battle between Isidor and Wolves’ defenders could be decisive. Sunderland will also rely on their defensive stalwarts to continue their impressive form.

Sunderland Suspensions & Injuries

Sunderland are facing a challenging period with multiple injuries impacting their squad depth. Key absentees include:

• Daniel Ballard (Hamstring Injury – Potential return Mid December 2023)
• Romaine Mundle (Hamstring Injury – Potential return Early November 2025)
• Leo Fuhr Hjelde (Achilles tendon injury – Potential return Early November 2025)
• Dennis Cirkin (Wrist injury – Potential return Early November 2025)
• Aji Alese (Shoulder injury – Potential return Early November 2025)
• Habib Diarra (Groin injury – Potential return Mid December 2025)
• Noah Sadiki (Ankle injury – Doubtful)
• Omar Alderete (Hamstring Injury – Potential return Mid November 2025)

Additionally, Sunderland will be without Reinildo Mandava who is serving a suspension due to a red card.
These absences might force coach Régis Le Bris to adjust his tactics and rely heavily on squad rotation, particularly in defense and midfield. The team’s ability to adapt to these setbacks could be a significant test of their resilience as they aim to secure a win against Wolverhampton.

Sunderland Tactics and Formation

Sunderland Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Wilson Isidor
• Midfield Trio: Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Enzo Le Fee
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Strong attack during the 61-75 and 76-90-minute intervals.

Sunderland’s approach centers on a solid 4-2-3-1 formation, providing a balance between defense and attack. Up front, Wilson Isidor leads the charge, supported by creative midfielders like Enzo Le Fee and Bertrand Traore. Defensive midfielders Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki offer crucial protection to the backline, helping maintain their strong defensive record of conceding just 0.9 goals per game this season.
Expect Sunderland to be particularly dangerous in the latter stages of each half, given their tendency to score most of their goals between 61-75 and 76-90-minute intervals. The team’s robust defensive setup and strategic attacking bursts could prove decisive against Wolverhampton.

Wolverhampton Team Analysis

Wolverhampton Recent Performance

Wolverhampton has been struggling to find its footing this season, as reflected by their recent form. Their last five matches include:

• Wolverhampton 1-1 Brighton
• Tottenham 1-1 Wolverhampton
• Wolverhampton 2-0 Everton (EFL Cup)
• Wolverhampton 1-3 Leeds
• Newcastle 1-0 Wolverhampton

Recent Form: LLWDD
Despite an upturn with a win in the EFL Cup, Wolves have only managed to score 1 goal per game on average in their last five league matches. On the defensive front, they have kept just one clean sheet during this period. Their inability to turn draws into wins and conceding 1.78 goals per game have been significant issues. As they face a formidable Sunderland side, Wolves will need a much-improved performance, especially in attack, to have any chance of securing their first league victory.

Wolverhampton Key Players

Wolverhampton will be banking on Hee-Chan Hwang, their top scorer with just one goal so far, to break through Sunderland’s solid defense. Midfielders like João Gomes and André Trindade will need to step up to provide both defensive cover and creative support.
Santiago Bueno, their top scorer in this tournament with one goal, will be crucial not just defensively but also in set-piece situations. Their lineup will need to be cohesive to counter Sunderland’s attacks.
Expected lineup for Wolverhampton:

• Goalkeeper: Sam Johnstone
• Defenders: Jackson Tchatchoua, Santiago Bueno, Ladislav Krejci, Hugo Bueno
• Midfielders: Marshall Munetsi, André Trindade, João Gomes, Jhon Arias
• Forwards: Jørgen Strand Larsen, Hee-Chan Hwang

A key battle could be between Sunderland’s Wilson Isidor and Wolverhampton’s central defenders, with Isidor looking to exploit any defensive lapses.

Wolverhampton Suspensions & Injuries

Wolverhampton are dealing with several key injuries which could affect their performance. Notable absentees include:

• Leon Chiwome: Cruciate ligament injury (expected return in late November 2025)
• Enso González: Knee injury (doubtful)
• Toti Gomes: Illness (doubtful)
• Matt Doherty: Wrist injury (potential return early November 2025)

These injuries might push coach Luís Miguel to adjust his tactical setup and rely on other squad members to step up in critical positions. The absence of key players could be a significant challenge for Wolverhampton as they seek their first league win and look to climb out of the relegation zone.

Wolverhampton Tactics and Formation

Wolverhampton Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Hee-Chan Hwang
• Midfield Trio: Marshall Munetsi, André Trindade, João Gomes
• Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Reliance on set-pieces and defensive solidity.

Wolverhampton will likely adopt a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to secure their first league win. Hee-Chan Hwang, their top scorer, will lead the frontline, supported by João Gomes’ creativity and Trindade’s tackling in midfield. Defensively, Santiago Bueno and Hugo Bueno will be pivotal in keeping Sunderland’s attackers at bay.
The team’s success could hinge on their ability to stay disciplined at the back while capitalizing on set-pieces to create scoring opportunities. With only one clean sheet in their last five games, defensive organization will be crucial against a Sunderland side known for late-game attacks.

Sunderland vs Wolverhampton Head-to-Head Statistics

The head-to-head statistics between Sunderland and Wolverhampton show a varied history. Their last five encounters are as follows:

• Sunderland 3 – 0 Wolverhampton (Championship, 2018-05-06)
• Wolverhampton 0 – 0 Sunderland (Championship, 2017-12-09)
• Sunderland 0 – 0 Wolverhampton (Premier League, 2012-04-14)
• Wolverhampton 2 – 1 Sunderland (Premier League, 2011-12-04)
• Sunderland 1 – 3 Wolverhampton (Premier League, 2011-05-14)

Historically, these matchups have been closely contested, with Sunderland just edging out a win in their most recent encounter. However, it’s worth noting that these matches date back several years and might not fully reflect the current form of either team. This match presents a fresh opportunity for Sunderland to leverage their home advantage and for Wolves to seek a long-overdue win.

Odds accurate as of 16th October 2025 15:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.