Sunderland head into Sunday’s clash with Aston Villa full of early-season confidence after collecting seven points from their opening four matches on their Premier League return.
Regis Le Bris’ side have been compact and efficient, with Robin Roefs starring in goal and Wilson Isidor providing the cutting edge up front. Backed by the Stadium of Light crowd, the Black Cats are eyeing a third straight home win to start a top-flight campaign, which hasn't been seen since 1965.
Villa, meanwhile, are still searching for their first league goal of the season. Unai Emery’s men sit 19th after four games, and a midweek EFL Cup exit on penalties compounded their struggles. Ollie Watkins has an impressive record against newly promoted clubs but remains goalless this term.
History is on their side, though: they’re unbeaten in 15 Premier League games against promoted opposition, and they’ve lost just once in their last 12 meetings with Sunderland.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
Sunderland vs. Aston Villa live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this Premier League match in the U.S.:
TV channel: -
Live stream: Peacock
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in the US. Streaming options are available on Peacock.
What time does Sunderland vs. Aston Villa kick off?
This Premier League clash takes place at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, England, and kicks off on Sunday, September 21, at 2 p.m. local time (BST).
Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Sun, Sep. 21 | 9:00 a.m. |
| Central Time | Sun, Sep. 21 | 8:00 a.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sun, Sep. 21 | 7:00 a.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sun, Sep. 21 | 6:00 a.m. |
Sunderland vs. Aston Villa lineups, team news
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)
Premier League fixture schedule this week
All times ET
Saturday 20th September
- Liverpool vs. Everton (7:30 a.m.)
- Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Tottenham Hotspur (10:00 a.m.)
- Burnley vs. Nottingham Forest (10:00 a.m.)
- West Ham United vs. Crystal Palace (10:00 a.m.)
- Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Leeds United (10:00 a.m.)
- Manchester United vs. Chelsea (12:30 p.m.)
- Fulham vs. Brentford (3:00 p.m.)
Sunday 21st September
- AFC Bournemouth vs. Newcastle United (9:00 a.m.)
- Sunderland vs. Aston Villa (9:00 a.m.)
- Arsenal vs. Manchester City (11:30 a.m.)