Brighton and Hove Albion’s European hopes hang in the balance as they prepare to face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton are looking to build on their recent form, despite a Week 29 loss to Arsenal which halted their two-match winning streak. The Seagulls, currently with 37 points, still believe they can qualify for European competition next season, relying heavily on goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
Black Cats Seek Home Advantage
Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats ended a month-long wait for a win when they took down Leeds United at Elland Road in Week 29. They now hope their home form can help them make it four of six points against Brighton this season.
This is Sunderland’s last match before they bid to sweep rivals Newcastle with a Tyne-Wear derby win at St. James’ Park.
Team News and Potential Absences
Sunderland have several players ruled out through injury. Jocelin Ta Bi (ankle), Romaine Mundle (thigh), and Bertrand Traore (knee) are all unavailable.
Dennis Cirkin (thigh), Reinildo (knee), Nordi Mukiele (calf), Brian Brobbey (groin), and Robin Roefs (thigh) are listed as questionable.
Brighton will be without Adam Webster (knee) and Stefanos Tzimas (unspecified). Kaoru Mitoma (ankle) is listed as questionable.
Brighton Favoured Despite Stadium of Light Stumbles
Brighton are slight favourites, especially as Sunderland’s early season power at the Stadium of Light dwindled last month with losses to Liverpool and Fulhma.
With Brighton, it’s a become a question of goals. They’ve scored two goals three times in 2026 and are 3-0. In their other seven games they’ve scored one or fewer and are 3D-4L. Sunderland 1-1 Brighton.
Time will tell if Brighton can secure the win they need to keep their European ambitions alive.>