A late summer evening at the Stadium of Light always carries its own memories, the floodlights cutting through the northern sky while the crowd gathers with that inseparable mix of hope and impatience, and on Tuesday, August 26, Sunderland will once again lean on that atmosphere when Huddersfield Town arrive for the second round of the Carabao Cup.
Sunderland’s return to the Premier League began with a statement win against West Ham that briefly lifted expectations before the defeat to Burnley brought a harsh reminder of the challenges ahead, especially after Dan Ballard’s injury at Turf Moor exposed gaps at the back that cannot be ignored.
The Black Cats manager Regis Le Bris to steady his defence may turn to recent summer arrivals for solutions. Nordi Mukiele, who arrived from PSG last week and Arthur Masuaku, whose experience can add balance may find opportunities in this tie though neither is guaranteed to start.
Huddersfield Town have fared well, edging Leicester through on penalties in the first round of the Carabao Cup and are also carrying positive results from their League One campaign as well.
However, they too are not without issues with several senior players on the sidelines and others being assessed for match fitness. Lee Grant has leaned on fringe players and academy talent in recent weeks, and he may do so again.
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Sunderland vs. Huddersfield lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news
Sunderland are expected to rotate heavily for the Carabao Cup meeting with Huddersfield after the weekend defeat to Burnley.
Anthony Patterson could return in goal after Robin Roefs started at Turf Moor and Regis Le Bris may also look to hand opportunities to players who have not featured regularly so far.
The defence is expected to see changes with centre-back Dan Ballard ruled out of this fixture. Omar Alderete and Jenson Seelt are likely to form the central defensive partnership in his absence.
In midfield, Granit Xhaka should continue as one of the experienced figures holding things together, while youngster like Abdoullah Sadiki will be pushing to impress.
Further forward, Adingra and Mayenda offer energy and pace in the wide positions and both are expected to play some part.
Sunderland’s injury list remains lengthy, with key names such as Luke O’Nien, Dennis Cirkin, and Daniel Ballard among those unavailable, while Nordi Mukiele is being assessed for match fitness.
Sunderland predicted starting XI (4-3-3, right to left): Patterson (GK) — Pembele, Seelt, Alderete, Huggins — Le Fee, Xhaka, Sadiki — Talbi, Mayenda, Adingra
Injured: Mundle (thigh), Hjelde (calf), O’Nien (shoulder), Cirkin (hand), Alese (shoulder), Ballard (knee), Mukiele (doubtful)
Suspended: None
Lee Grant’s side has showed real resilience against Leicester City in the previous round and will hope to carry the same energy at the Stadium of Light.
They will, however, be forced to make do without a handful of important players. Mickel Miller is sidelined with a hamstring injury that is expected to keep him out for at least a month, while Antony Evans is also unavailable with a knee problem that is likely to rule him out until late September or October.
Summer setbacks for Rhys Healey and Jacob Chapman mean both are yet to feature this season and will again miss out here.
That leaves the Terriers with a fairly settled group to choose from. Dion Charles looks set to continue as the main striker, supported by Ruben Roosken and Cameron Ashia on the wings. Midfield protection could once again come from Daniel Vost and David Kasumu, while Murray Wallace partners Josh Feeney in central defence.
Huddersfield predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Nicholls (GK) — Gooch, Feeney, Wallace, Roughan — Vost, Kasumu — Ashia, Wiles, Roosken — Charles
Injured: Miller (hamstring), Evans (knee), Healey (knee), Chapman (ankle)
Suspended: None
Sunderland vs. Huddersfield match details
- Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2025
- Kickoff time: 7:45 p.m. local / 2:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. PT
- Location: Stadium of Light, Sunderland (England)
- Competition: EFL Cup
- Referee: Dean Whitestone
- Fourth Official: Anthony Backhouse
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