Sunderland will host Brentford at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, August 30 in week three of the 2025/26 Premier League as both teams seek their second win of the top-flight campaign.
The Black Cats announced their return to the top tier with a statement 3-0 victory over West Ham in the opening week, but they struggled in their away trip to Burnley, losing 2-0 against the Clarets.
Sunderland suffered another setback in the Carabao Cup as they were beaten by Huddersfield Town on penalties after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time.
Meanwhile, Brentford had a slow start as they suffered a 3-1 defeat against Nottingham Forest in the opening week, but they bounced back impressively with a 1-0 win over Aston Villa and a 2-0 victory over Bournemouth in the mid-week Carabao Cup tie.
There was a lot of uncertainty around Keith Andrews replacing Thomas Frank, but the new Brentford manager looks to be settling into his new role.
Also, the Bees have a great record against newly promoted Premier league teams as they have won the last eight league games against newcomers.
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Sunderland vs. Brentford lineups: Starting XI, teams news, injuries
The Black Cats suffered a major blow when defensive stalwart Daniel Ballard sustained a groin injury in the ninth minute against Burnley. The centre-back is ruled out until after the September international break.
New signing Nordi Mukiele, who replaced Ballard in the Carabao Cup clash, is expected to make his Premier League debut against Brentford partnering Omar Aldrete at the heart of the defense.
Habib Diarra and Granit Xhaka will add stability to the midfield, and Chemsdine Talbi, Simon Adingra and Eliezer Mayenda are expected to form the front three.
Sunderland predicted starting XI (4-3-3, left to right); Roefs (GK) — Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Mandava — Diarra, Xhaka, Sadiki — Talbi, Mayenda, Adingra
Injured: Ballard (groin), Alese (shoulder), Cirkin (wrist), O’Nien (shoulder), Hjelde (calf), Mundle (thigh), Huggins (groin)
Suspended: None
Brentford also have their fair share of injury issues with midfielder Frank Onyeka becoming the latest entry to their long list of absentees for this away trip to Sunderland.
Vitaly Janelt is training again but not ready to play, while the same is true of Gustavo Nunes and Paris Maghoma.
Yoane Wissa is training with the team despite his interest to move to Newcastle United, but it will be a surprise if the DR Congo international takes part in the match against the Black Cats.
Defensive stalwart Nathan Collins will return to the backline with fit-again former Sunderland man Jordan Henderson providing leadership and stability in midfield.
Dango Ouattara, Mikkel Damsgaard and Kevin Schade are expected to start behind striker Igor Thiago, who will lead the lines for the Bees.
Brentford predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Kelleher (GK) — Kayode, Van den Berg, Collins, Lewis-Potter — Henderson, Yarmolyuk — Ouattara, Damsgaard, Schade — Thiago
Injured: Janelt (ankle), Nunes (thigh), Maghoma (thigh), Konak (ankle)
Suspended: None
Sunderland vs. Brentford match details
- Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
- Kickoff time: 3 p.m. local / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT
- Location: Stadium of Light, Sunderland (England)
- Competition: Premier League
- Referee: Anthony Taylor
- VAR: Darren England
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