• Aston Villa sit 4th in the Premier League with 55 points, but they have only won one of their last six league matches.

• Sunderland pulled off a massive victory against Newcastle at St James’ Park in the Tyne-Wear derby just before the international break, and they followed that up with a 1-0 win against Spurs last time out. 

• The Black Cats have had a week off since then, while Aston Villa were involved in Thursday night action against Bologna.

📂 Aston Villa v Sunderland Cheat Sheet

📈 Aston Villa v Sunderland Form & Stats

Aston Villa drew 1-1 at the City Ground against Nottingham Forest in their most recent Premier League outing, which would have felt like two points dropped given the chances Villa spurned in the second half. Morgan Rogers missed a sitter with the goal gaping, and Ollie Watkins had an effort clipped over near the end. It was a frustrating result for Unai Emery, but his side remain 4th in the league standings, three points ahead of Liverpool.

On a more positive note, Villa have been dominant in the Europa League, and they thrashed Bologna 4-0 on Thursday, despite taking a 3-1 lead from the first leg. It was a ruthless performance from Unai Emery’s men, who racked up 2.42 xG from their 13 shots.

Sunderland have had a longer period to rest and recover for this match, and they will also be buoyed by back-to-back Premier League victories. The 1-0 win over Tottenham on Roberto De Zerbi's debut was an impressive result, as Nordi Mukiele's deflected strike proved decisive at the Stadium of Light. Regis Le Bris has done a remarkable job on Sunderland’s return to the top-flight, and they sit 10th in the league with 46 points.

📔 Aston Villa v Sunderland Formation & Teams News

With no fresh injury concerns, Sunderland are likely to go with a similar XI to the one that beat Tottenham. Brian Brobbey should lead the line, with Enzo Le Fee out on the flank. Chemsdine Talbi could replace Chris Rigg, while Noah Sadiki and Granit Xhaka should partner up in a familiar midfield double pivot. Dan Ballard missed out against Tottenham with a knock, but he could come in for Luke O’Nien at the back if deemed fit enough, and Robin Roefs returned from injury last weekend with a stellar performance, so he looks set to keep his spot in between the sticks.

Unai Emery went with his strongest XI in midweek, and he is unlikely to make too many changes. Jadon Sancho could be a candidate to come back into the starting XI, as he was fit enough to feature from the bench after recovering from a shoulder injury. Emiliano Martinez was another player to return to fitness after he felt a niggle during the warm-up last weekend.

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