Sunderland vs Burnley prediction 02.02.2026 | Premier League

Back in the Premier League for the first time since 2017, Sunderland look far more comfortable than most newly promoted sides. Sitting 11th and 13 points clear of danger, the Black Cats have already produced results fans will bring up years from now.

Taking points off City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle changes how a season feels. Home form has been the foundation. Régis Le Bris’ side are still unbeaten at the Stadium of Light, even if the away performances drift a bit. The 3-1 defeat at West Ham last weekend highlighted that difference pretty clearly.

Granit Xhaka missed that game with an ankle issue and is expected to be sidelined for a couple more weeks. Brian Brobbey should lead the line again, five league goals to his name. Behind him, Enzo Le Fée continues to knit things together, already involved in seven goals this season.

Burnley’s last year played out in a way that now feels very familiar. Relegated, regrouped, straight back up as Championship winners. You might have expected that confidence to carry over. It has not, at least not smoothly. Scott Parker’s side sit 19th, seven points from the bottom, and every fixture now feels loaded with consequence.

Still, there are flickers of fight. The Clarets are unbeaten in four, and that stretch came against Liverpool, United and Spurs. The football has not been easy on the eye, however it has been disciplined and awkward to play through.

Jaidon Anthony has quietly chipped in with five league goals and should lead the line again. Armando Broja and Dwight McNeil are likely alongside him, both still trying to find their timing. Zeki Amdouni is back on the training pitch, though this trip arrives too soon. Jordan Beyer, Connor Roberts and Josh Cullen remain sidelined.