The Matchday 17 Premier League clash between Brighton and Sunderland will take place on December 20 at the Amex Stadium in Falmer. Brighton vs Sunderland: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Brighton
Fabian Hürzeler's side travelled to Liverpool in their last league outing and suffered a 0-2 defeat. It was their third game in a row without a win (one draw and two defeats), a run the club had not experienced in the Premier League since April. This was also the third time this season Brighton failed to score in the league — and all three shutouts have come on the road. Brighton have slipped to 10th but are only three points off the European places.
- The team are unbeaten in 9 of their last 12 league matches (5 wins and 4 draws).
- Both teams scored in 10 of Brighton’s last 14 Premier League games.
- The club have scored at least two goals in 6 of their last 7 home league matches.
Predicted Brighton lineup (4-2-3-1)*
Bart Verbruggen – Lewis Dunk, Ferdi Kadioglu, Jan Paul van Hecke, Mats Viffer – Jack Hinshelwood, Carlos Baleba – Diego Gomez, Brayan Gruda, Yankuba Minte – Jorginho Rutter.
Defenders Adam Webster and Solly March, and forward Stephanos Tsimas are sidelined with injuries. Lewis Dunk and Diego Gomez will serve suspensions. Midfielder Carlos Baleba has been called up to his national team.
Sunderland
Sunderland failed to win in two recent away league games against top opposition — they drew 1-1 with Liverpool and lost 0-3 to Manchester City. However, back at the Stadium of Light Regis Le Bris' men ended their short winless run by defeating Newcastle 1-0 and kept a clean sheet for the first time in eight matches. The club sit eighth but are only two points off the Champions League places. Sunderland's matches have been among the lowest-scoring in the division, averaging 2.25 goals per game.
- The team have recorded just two wins in their last seven Premier League matches (3 draws and 2 defeats).
- Sunderland have failed to win on the road in 6 of their last 8 Premier League away games (2 draws and 4 defeats).
- The club have scored no more than one goal in 7 of their last 8 away league matches.
Predicted Sunderland lineup (4-2-3-1)*
Robin Rufs – Omar Alderete, Nordi Mukiele, Daniel Ballard, Reinildo Mandava – Noa Sadiki, Granit Xhaka – Enzo Le Fée, Chamseddine Talbi, Bertrand Traoré – Brian Brobbey.
Midfielder Luke O'Nien remains suspended. Several players have been called up for the Africa Cup of Nations: Bertrand Traoré, Noa Sadiki and Habib Diarra, defenders Arthur Masuaku and Reinildo Mandava, and forward Chamseddine Talbi.
Referee:
Darren England (England)
Matches – 10 (Premier League, 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 34;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.4;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 20%.
Match prediction: Brighton vs Sunderland
Both clubs are currently outside the European places but can move into contention with a run of wins, so stakes are high for this fixture. I favour the home side. Brighton are very strong at the Amex and in their previous 16 Premier League home matches have lost only to Aston Villa (twice). They will also be eager to respond after a recent home slip against West Ham (1-1) and will be determined to put things right in front of their supporters.
While Sunderland have impressed this campaign, their best results come at the Stadium of Light. On the road they have only two victories so far and struggle to score away from home. Crucially, Sunderland will be missing six players to the Africa Cup of Nations, many of whom are key performers. For a squad without great depth, this is a significant blow.
My prediction – Brighton to win
* The lineup shown for each team is their starting XI from their most recent match in this competition.
