Form & Statistics
Sunderland head into this fixture sitting 11th in the Premier League table with 40 points from 29 matches, having recently ended a three-game losing streak with a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth. The Black Cats have managed 10 wins and 10 draws across all competitions, with an overall rating of 6.60. Their attacking output has been modest, averaging just 9.5 shots per game with a possession average of 78.8%, figures that suggest plenty of territory without the clinical finishing to convert it.
Brighton arrive in contrasting form, positioned 14th with 37 points from 29 matches but crucially showing momentum with back-to-back victories. The Seagulls average 12.8 shots per game with 84.0% possession and have netted 38 goals while conceding 36 in league play. Danny Welbeck leads their attack with 10 Premier League goals, supported by Diego Gomez (5) and Jan Paul van Hecke (3).
11th Sunderland position
40 Sunderland points
14th Brighton position
37 Brighton points
6.60
Overall Ratingall comps
6.64
58
Yellow CardsPremier League
72
Key Players
Head-to-Head
The historical record between these sides shows a tight rivalry. In their last five meetings, Sunderland have won once (20%), drawn twice (40%), and lost twice (40%), while Brighton have claimed one victory and one draw from those encounters.
1 Sunderland wins
3 Draws
1 Brighton wins
The reverse fixture in November 2024 was a memorable affair: Brighton raced into a 2-0 lead inside 15 minutes at the Stadium of Light before Sunderland fought back to level at 2-2, only for Brighton to claim a 3-2 victory in the closing stages. Most recently, these sides drew 1-1 when Sunderland visited Brighton, pointing to closely contested encounters whenever they meet.
Tactical Outlook
Sunderland are expected to deploy their preferred 4-2-3-1 formation (used in 14 Premier League appearances, rating 6.6), having scored 12 goals and conceded 14 in this system. Granit Xhaka (rating 7.01, 1 goal, 5 assists) and Dan Ballard (7.02, 2 goals) are central figures, with goalkeeper Melker Ellborg (7.23) among the standout performers individually. The tactical battle will hinge on whether Sunderland’s possession-heavy approach can genuinely threaten Brighton’s backline or whether it produces sterile domination without end product.
Brighton favour the same 4-2-3-1 structure (24 appearances, rating 6.5), having netted 33 goals and conceded 30 when using it. Jan Paul van Hecke (rating 6.96, 3 goals) and Mats Wieffer (6.89) provide a solid defensive base, while Welbeck’s 10-goal haul and the creative output of Gomez represent a genuine threat at the top end. Brighton’s superior possession average and shot output suggest they should control large periods of this match.
Key Stats to Watch
9.5
Shots/gamePremier League
12.8
Just ended
Losing streakcurrent run
2 wins in a row
5
Top scorer goalsBrobbey / Welbeck
10
Last 24 apps
Goals scoredall competitions
33
Prediction
Our Prediction
Brighton 2-1 Sunderland
Predicted score • 8 March 2026
11/4 Sunderland win
12/5 Draw
11/10 Brighton win
Brighton’s superior recent form, higher shot volume, and possession dominance make them narrow favourites despite playing away. Danny Welbeck’s 10-goal haul provides a cutting edge Sunderland simply cannot match, with top scorer Brobbey on just five. While the Black Cats have ended their losing streak, Brighton’s back-to-back wins and their ability to score 33 goals in 24 recent appearances suggests they carry the momentum and quality to edge this one. The 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture points to a tight game, but Brighton’s clinical finishing should prove decisive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is predicted to win this match and why? ▼
Brighton are predicted to win 2-1 based on their superior recent form and attacking output. They have won their last two matches and scored 33 goals in their past 24 appearances across all competitions, while Sunderland have just ended a three-game losing streak. Brighton also average 12.8 shots per game compared to Sunderland’s 9.5, with Danny Welbeck’s 10 Premier League goals providing a significant attacking threat that Sunderland’s front line, led by Brian Brobbey’s 5 goals, cannot match.
What is the head-to-head record between these teams? ▼
In their last five meetings, the record is evenly balanced with Sunderland winning once, Brighton winning once, and three draws. Most recently, when Sunderland visited Brighton the match finished 1-1. The reverse fixture in November 2024 saw Brighton race to a 2-0 lead before Sunderland fought back to level at 2-2, only for Brighton to ultimately win 3-2, demonstrating their ability to edge tight contests.
What are the key attacking and defensive statistics? ▼
Sunderland have scored 30 goals and conceded 34 in the Premier League with an overall rating of 6.60, averaging 9.5 shots per game with 78.8% possession. Brighton have been more prolific with 38 goals scored and 36 conceded, boasting a 6.64 rating while averaging 12.8 shots per game and dominating possession at 84.0%. Brighton’s 33 goals in their last 24 appearances reflects significantly stronger conversion rates.
What is both teams’ current league position and form? ▼
Sunderland sit 11th in the Premier League with 40 points from 29 matches, having won 10 and drawn 10 across all competitions. They recently ended a three-game losing streak with a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on 28 February 2026. Brighton are 14th with 37 points from 29 matches but show better momentum with nine wins and 10 draws overall, including back-to-back victories, their most recent being a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest on 1 March 2026.
Where can I watch Sunderland vs Brighton & Hove Albion? ▼
Check
WhatChan’s TV guide for the latest information on which channel is broadcasting the match.
Last updated: 8 March 2026. Preview based on uploaded match data, articles and head-to-head records. For the latest football on TV, visit WhatChan’s TV guide.
