Aston Villa vs Sunderland Prediction - Premier League

The upcoming Premier League match between Aston Villa and Sunderland is crucial for the Villa Park side in their race for a Champions League spot. Currently sitting in fourth place, Aston Villa must rediscover their form after a series of inconsistent performances, while Sunderland continues to be a formidable opponent in the mid-table.

Current context and form

Aston Villa currently sit fourth in the Premier League table with 55 points after 32 matches. However, their recent form at Villa Park is causing concern. In their last five games, they have only managed one win, one draw, and three losses. This is a worrying sign as their direct competitors are closing in.

Conversely, Sunderland are showing a rather positive performance, sitting in 11th place with 46 points. Their form in the last five matches is significantly more impressive than the home team's, with three wins, one draw, and only one loss. Confidence is the visitors' biggest weapon on this trip to central England.

Analysis of goal difference and scoring ability

This season, Aston Villa have maintained a consistent scoring record, averaging 1.3 goals per game (43 goals in total). Their home ground, Villa Park, remains a strong point, with 10 wins there. However, their defense needs strengthening, having conceded 38 goals, or an average of 1.2 goals per game.

On the other side of the pitch, Sunderland possesses a more pragmatic playing style. They have scored 33 goals (an average of 1.0 goal per game) and conceded 36. Sunderland's away record is average, with 4 wins and 5 draws in 32 matches played. Maintaining a low defensive line and waiting for counter-attacking opportunities will be a challenge for Aston Villa's defense.

Expected force and formation

The personnel situation favors the home team, despite some significant losses. Aston Villa will be without B. Kamara due to a knee injury, while Alysson's availability remains uncertain. However, the depth of the squad of this top-four team still allows them to effectively implement their familiar tactical system.

Sunderland travel to Villa Park with a lengthy injury list. Key players such as N. Angulo (muscle injury), JT Bi (ankle injury), R. Mundle (hamstring injury), and B. Traore (knee injury) are certain to be absent. In addition, centre-back D. Ballard's availability is uncertain due to a muscle problem. The absence of so many key players could make it difficult for Sunderland to maintain the intensity of play for the full 90 minutes.

Head-to-head history and predictions

In the last five encounters between the two teams, the balance has slightly tipped in favor of Aston Villa with 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss. The first leg in September 2025 ended in a 1-1 draw, demonstrating the balanced approach of both clubs.

• September 21, 2025: Sunderland 1 - 1 Aston Villa
• March 7, 2018: Sunderland 0 - 3 Aston Villa
• November 22, 2017: Aston Villa 2 - 1 Sunderland
• January 2, 2016: Sunderland 3 - 1 Aston Villa
• August 29, 2015: Aston Villa 2 - 2 Sunderland

Based on statistical data and home advantage, Aston Villa are considered the favorites with a 35% chance of winning, a 35% chance of a draw, while Sunderland have a 30% chance. With the need to defend their top-four position, Aston Villa are likely to play an attacking game from the start to seek an early goal.

Predicted result:Aston Villa's results ranged from draws to wins.

Team lineup updated at 19:30 on April 19, 2026

Official lineup

Aston Villa

Diagram: 4-2-3-1

CoachUnai Emery

Starting lineup:

• 23. Emiliano Martinez (G)
• 2. Matty Cash (D)
• 4. Ezri Konsa (D)
• 5. Tyrone Mings (D)
• 22. Ian Maatsen (D)
• 24. Amadou Onana (M)
• 8. Youri Tielemans (M)
• 27. Morgan Rogers (M)
• 6. Ross Barkley (M)
• 7. John McGinn (M)
• 11. Ollie Watkins (F)

Substitutes:

• 40. Marco Bizot
• 3. Victor Lindelof
• 12. Lucas Digne
• 10. Emiliano Buendía
• 19. Jadon Sancho
• 21. Douglas Luiz
• 26. Lamare Bogarde
• 31. Leon Bailey
• 18. Tammy Abraham

Sunderland

Diagram: 4-2-3-1

CoachRegis Le Bris

Starting lineup:

• 22. Robin Roefs (G)
• 20. Nordi Mukiele (D)
• 13. Luke O'Nien (D)
• 15. Omar Alderete (D)
• 17. Reinildo Mandava (D)
• 27. Noah Sadiki (M)
• 34. Granit Xhaka (M)
• 11. Chris Rigg (M)
• 19. Habib Diarra (M)
• 28. Enzo Le Fée (M)
• 9. Brian Brobbey (F)

Substitutes:

• 31. Melker Ellborg
• 3. Dennis Cirkin
• 32. Hume's Boy
• 6. Lutsharel Geertruida
• 5. Daniel Ballard
• 7. Chemsdine Talbi
• 50. Harrison Jones
• 12. Eliezer Mayenda
• 18. Wilson Isdor