Brighton are seeking there successive victories over Sunderland for the first time since 1981, albeit the pair have not been in the same division for two decades, meeting in a solitary League Cup tie since, this a 1-0 win for the Seagulls in 2011.
Brighton vs Sunderland preview
After, almost inarguably, their most famous victory of the season so far, fair to say the Sunderland supporters traveling to Sussex on Saturday will be doing so in high spirits. Last Sunday, the Black Cats beat fierce rivals Newcastle 1-0 at the Stadium of Light, extending their unbeaten streak to ten league Tyne–Wear derbies. It was a game devoid of much quality or opportunities, but Nick Woltemade's towering own goal shortly after time had the Mackems celebrating all night long.
This though is far from a one off. Régis Le Bris' side now have 26 points on the board after 16 matches, which would have been enough to see them survive last season already. The Black Cats remain unbeaten at home and kick off eighth, above their hosts, now targeting another victory.
As for Brighton & Hove Albion, they are simply seeking to rediscover some momentum. Last weekend, Fabian Hürzeler's team were beaten 2-0 by Liverpool at Anfield, falling behind inside 47 seconds, and then never really recovering. This though was a third successive disappointing result for the Seagulls, beaten 4-3 by Aston Villa, despite having been 2-0 up, before requiring a stoppage time equaliser from Georginio Rutter to salvage a draw with struggling West Ham at home.
All of this leaves the Albion down in tenth, below the European positions, which very much has to be the aim, having narrowly missed out last season. Brighton have only been beaten by Aston Villa on home turf this season, so will they be able to defeat Sunderland in Sussex?
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Sunderland head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 35.
- Brighton & Hove Albion Wins: 14. Draws: 7. Sunderland Wins: 14.
Brighton team news
Carlos Baleba has departed for the Africa Cup of Nations, Adam Webster, Solly March and Stefanos Tzimas are all injured while both Lewis Dunk and Diego Gómez are suspended, are picking up their fifth yellow cards of the campaign at Anfield.
So, Olivier Boscagli and Yasin Ayari will come into the team while, in a timely boost, Kaoru Mitoma came off the bench against Liverpool, his first appearance since September due to a foot injury. Both Mats Wieffer and Ferdi Kadıoğlu would sit out next weekend's trip to Arsenal if booked.
Brighton & Hove Albion predicted lineup vs Sunderland: (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Wieffer, Boscagli, van Hecke, De Cuyper; Hinshelwood, Ayari, Minteh, Georginio, Kadıoğlu; Welbeck.
Brighton player to watch vs Sunderland
James Milner came off the bench last weekend for his 646th Premier League appearance, now only seven behind Gareth Barry's all-time record, so will he close that gap further here?
Sunderland team news
Sunderland have been decimated by AFCON more than any other Premier League side, given that Arthur Masuaku, Reinildo Mandava, Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, Bertrand Traoré and Chemsdine Talbi have all departed.
Simon Adingra though is available to face his former side, having not been called up by Côte d'Ivoire manager Emerse Faé, but Luke O'Nien does remain suspended.
So, forced to make at least four changes from the derby victory, Régis Le Bris will ask either Trai Hume or Lutsharel Geertruida to fill-in at left-back, with Romaine Mundle hoping to start in the Premier League for the very first time. Granit Xhaka will sit out next Sunday's clash with Leeds if booked.
Sunderland predicted lineup vs Brighton & Hove Albion: (4-3-3): Roefs; Mukiele, Alderete, Ballard, Geertruida; Xhaka, Rigg, Le Fée; Mundle, Adingra, Brobbey.
Sunderland player to watch vs Brighton
Brian Brobbey has scored crucial late goals against both Bournemouth and Arsenal at the Stadium of Light, so could he be the Sunderland hero in Sussex too?
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Sunderland prediction
We are backing Brighton to win this one, firstly because they're generally strong at home, while also because Sunderland are massively decimated by AFCON: Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Sunderland.
Brighton vs Sunderland FAQs - Premier League
How to watch Brighton vs Sunderland in the Premier League on TV channel?
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Sunderland in the Premier League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: Peacock
- Canada: Fubo Sports Network Canada
How to watch Brighton vs Sunderland in the Premier League on live streaming?
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Sunderland in the Premier League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: Peacock
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Brighton vs Sunderland in the Premier League?
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Sunderland takes place on Saturday 20 December 2025, with kick off at 15:00 (GMT), 10:00 (ET) & 7:00 (PT).