Sunderland have won just one of their last 12 meetings with Aston Villa, with the Claret and Blue Army winning four of their last five visits to Wearside.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa preview
Will Aston Villa despondent start to this season continue? On Tuesday night, at the fifth attempt, Unai Emery's team did manage to score a goal, but it didn't help much. Despite taking the lead through Harvey Elliott, the Villans were held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford in the EFL Cup, before losing the subsequent penalty shootout in London; John McGinn and Matty Cash both denied from 12 yards.
Back in the Premier League, the Claret and Blue Army have held Newcastle and Everton to goalless draws, the later last weekend, while also suffering defeats at the hands of Brentford and Crystal Palace. Thus, Villa remain the only club in England's top seven divisions yet to score a league goal this season, which isn't ideal to say the least, ahead of their Europa League opener against Bologna on Thursday. So, can the Villans spark their season into life at the Stadium of Light on Sunday?
As for Sunderland, given the misery at Villa Park, they'll surely fancy their chances of another victory. So far, Régis Le Bris' side have won both home matches since securing promotion back to the promised land, battering West Ham 3-0 before fighting back from a goal down to beat Brentford 2-1, the latter thanks to Wilson Isidor's dramatic 96th minute winner that sparked wild celebrations.
Then, last weekend, the Black Cats battled to a goalless draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, very much indebted to goalkeeper Robin Roefs, but every point is precious when you're a newly-promoted club. So, can Sunderland make home advantage count, adding to Villa's doom and gloom?
Sunderland vs Aston Villa head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 184.
- Sunderland Wins: 55. Draws: 46. Aston Villa Wins: 83.
Sunderland team news
Régis Le Bris is without key centre-back Dan Ballard, so Nordi Mukiele will continue to fill-in at centre-back, one of nine summer signings who started at Crystal Palace last weekend.
Meantime, both Lutsharel Geertruida and Brian Brobbey debuted off the bench at Selhurst, while Bertrand Traoré could do the same here, having been an unused substitute in South London.
Sunderland predicted lineup vs Aston Villa: (4-3-3): Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Reinildo; Xhaka, Diarra, Sadiki; Talbi, Adingra, Mayenda.
Sunderland player to watch vs Aston Villa
Wilson Isidor has scored during both home victories so far, so can the Frenchman keep the streak going when Aston Villa visits on Sunday?
Aston Villa team news
Unai Emery made seven changes for the mid-week EFL Cup tie, with summer signings Harvey Elliott, Jadon Sancho and Evann Guessand all started, still searching for a winning formulae.
Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana are both sidelined, making it a massive boost that Boubacar Kamara was able to come off the bench against Brentford, likely to partner Lamare Bogarde at the base of midfield. Elliott is the only Villa player to score this season, so will that change on Wearside?
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Sunderland: (4-3-3): Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Bogarde, Kamara, McGinn; Elliott, Rogers, Watkins.
Aston Villa player to watch vs Sunderland
Ollie Watkins has scored 75 Premier League goals to date, these scored against 22 different opponents, so can he add Sunderland to this list?
Sunderland vs Aston Villa prediction
We are backing Sunderland for victory on Sunday, given their excellent home record so far this season, forecasting that Aston Villa's woes will continue: Sunderland 2-1 Aston Villa.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa FAQs - Premier League
How to watch Sunderland vs Aston Villa in the Premier League on TV channel?
Sunderland vs Aston Villa in the Premier League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Sky Sports Main Event & Ultra HD.
- USA: fuboTV, NBC, Telemundo & Deportes En Vivo
- Canada: Fubo Sports Network Canada
How to watch Sunderland vs Aston Villa in the Premier League on live streaming?
Sunderland vs Aston Villa in the Premier League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: SkyGo & NOW TV.
- USA: fuboTV, nbcsports.com, USA Network & Telemundo
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Sunderland vs Aston Villa in the Premier League?
Sunderland vs Aston Villa takes place on Sunday 21 September 2025, with kick off at 14:00 (BST), 9:00 (EDT) & 6:00 (PDT).