Struggling Aston Villa head off to in-form Sunderland in Premier League action on September 21.
Unai Emery's side have the unwanted record of being the only top-flight team without a goal scored after four games played.
Villa are unsurprisingly winless within that run, with two points to their name. They also endured a midweek EFL Cup exit at the hands of Brentford.
Hosts Sunderland are enjoying life back in the Premier League with the Stadium of Light turning into the solid base Regis Le Bris wanted.
The Black Cats have already beaten West Ham United and Brentford on home soil with just one loss overall in league action.
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Sunderland vs. Aston Villa lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest
Seven Sunderland players have been ever-present as starters this season and Le Bris will not make sweeping changes for the visit of Villa.
The French boss still has five players missing through injury, although he did confirm key defender Dan Ballard is back fit and the returning Luke O'Nien should make the bench.
Sunderland predicted starting XI (4-3-3): Roefs (GK) — Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Mandava — Diarra, Xhaka, Sadiki — Talbi, Isidor, Adingra
Injured: Hjede (calf), Mundle (thigh), Cirkin (hand), Alese (shoulder), Le Fee (muscle)
Suspended: None
Emery is still without the majority of his first-choice midfield with Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara sidelined through injury.
Victor Lindelof has shaken off a minor issue, and Harvey Elliott could make his first league start after scoring in the cup defeat to Brentford.
Aston Villa predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1): Martinez (GK) — Cash, Konza, Mings, Digne — Bogarde, McGinn — Elliott, Rogers, Buendia — Watkins
Injured: Tieleman (calf), Kamara (thigh), Onana (thigh), Robledo (muscle)
Suspended: None
Unavailable: Barkley (personal reasons)
Sunderland vs. Aston Villa match details
- Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025
- Kickoff time: 2 p.m. local / 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT
- Location: Stadium of Light, Sunderland (UK)
- Competition: Premier League
- Referee: Sam Barrott
- VAR: James Bell