Nordi Mukiele

The Dutch international picked up a hamstring injury while playing for Netherlands during the international break, which is a massive blow for the Black Cats as he bagged a hat-trick against Man City in his last domestic match. Dan Ballard was another casualty during the Nations League fixtures, so Regis Le Bris’ men look depleted. 

Meanwhile, Brighton beat Arsenal 3-0 at home just before the break, bagging their 16th goal of the season despite being just five matches in. They have been the most efficient side in the Premier League in the final third so far. The Seagulls also progressed past Man United in the EFL Cup, after winning 3-2 at Old Trafford, so they are a side full of confidence at the moment.

Despite their impressive start, cards have still been a consistent market to target for Brighton. They have landed this selection in six of their eight matches across all competitions, averaging 2.25 cards per game. The only misses came against Coventry and Tromso, but Brighton won those matches by an aggregate score of 9-0.

This should be a much more competitive fixture, particularly with Sunderland playing at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats have drawn at least two cards from their opponents in five of their seven matches across all competitions. They are unlikely to sit back and absorb pressure from Brighton this weekend - Sunderland will look to get on the ball and establish themselves on the ball, so Brighton should have enough defensive work to get through.

Charalampos Kostoulas has been another standout performer for Brighton this season, and he is averaging an impressive 4.42 shots per 90 across all competitions. The Greek international found the back of the net in each of his final three appearances before the break, landing this selection against both Arsenal and Man United.

Kostoulas has three goals and one assist to his name this season, and the 19-year-old has certainly not lacked confidence. After having a limited role under Fabian Hurzeler last season, Kostoulas has shown his quality so far, and he will hope to pick up where he left off just before the international break.

Nordi Mukiele averaged 0.88 shots per 90 across all competitions for Sunderland last season, with that figure rising significantly to 1.42 at the Stadium of Light. That trend has continued into the new campaign, as Mukiele has accumulated nine shots across five matches, with eight of those attempts coming on home turf.

When playing at right back, the Frenchman likes to push forward and join the attacks, while he is also a massive threat from corners and free-kicks due to his aerial ability. Brighton have been excellent this season, but they have at times shown a vulnerability at the back, having conceded twice against Man United, and four times against Chelsea. Both of those were away fixtures.

Pascal Gross has been a key reason behind Brighton’s excellent start to the season, and his performances earned him September’s Premier League Player of the Month award. The German international scored the opening goal against Arsenal, before then providing an assist for Chema Andres during the 3-0 victory over Arsenal.

Gross has also been a notable contributor to Brighton’s disciplinary record - he has picked up two yellow cards from the opening five league matches. He is averaging 1.60 fouls per 90 and has committed at least one infringement in every league match, including multiple fouls in three of those. Gross has shown a bit more of a willingness to jump into tackles this season, operating in the midfield double pivot.