Sunderland will face Burnley at the Stadium of Light on Monday night. Both teams are looking to improve their standings in the Premier League. Sunderland is eager to recover from their recent loss to West Ham, while a win could elevate them to eighth place. Burnley, however, has not won in their last 14 league matches and sits 11 points away from safety, although they have managed to draw their last three games against strong opponents like Tottenham, Liverpool, and Manchester United.
Sunderland vs Burnley: Latest Team News and Predicted Lineups
Sunderland Injury and Team News
Sunderland’s captain, Granit Xhaka, will be sidelined for up to three weeks due to an ankle injury. Winger Bertrund Traore is also expected to be unavailable for two more weeks after suffering an injury during the Africa Cup of Nations. New signing Melker Ellberg, who joined on Sunday, cannot play in this match.
Head coach Regis Le Bris commented on Xhaka’s absence, emphasizing the need for the team to adapt their setup for upcoming challenges. He noted that while Xhaka is a unique talent, other players in the team must step up to fill the gap.
Burnley Injury and Team News
Burnley faces multiple injury concerns. Josh Cullen is out for the season with an ACL injury, and Connor Roberts is unavailable due to an Achilles problem. Defender Jordan Beyer is recovering from a hamstring injury, and Zeki Amdouni is also a long-term absentee. Mike Tresor remains on the injured list following an ankle injury sustained against Newcastle.
On a positive note for Burnley, new loan signing James Ward-Prowse is available, although he may not start due to limited playing time this season. Joe Worrall and Zian Flemming, both sidelined since Christmas, are also back for selection.
Burnley manager Scott Parker stated that the team is not concentrating on the league standings. He pointed out that while the table looks unfavorable, upcoming matches offer opportunities to gain points and improve results quickly.
Sunderland Predicted Lineup
Roefs
Mukiele
Ballard
Alderete
Reinildo
Hume
Sadiki
Diarra
Le Fee
Talbi
Brobbey
Subs: Moore, O’Nien, Cirkin, Mayenda, Isidor, Rigg, Geertruida, Mundle, Adingra
Burnley Predicted Lineup
Dubravka
Humphreys
Esteve
Tuanzebe
Walker
Ugochukwu
Florentino
Pires
Edwards
Anthony
Foster