With the 2025β26 season of the Premier League entering its last weeks, Sunderland will face Brighton & Hove Albion in an exciting Matchday 30 clash, as both sides aim to push into the top half of the table.
Ayomide Oguntimehin provides the lowdown for the March 14 encounter at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland vs Brighton match preview
Sunderland head into the clash against Brighton this weekend knowing that a win would move them back into the top half of the standings. The Black Cats started the season well, but performances have dropped in the last few weeks.
They head into this clash on the back of a shock 1-0 defeat to Port Vale in the FA Cup fifth round and will hope to continue their two-game unbeaten record in the league with another favourable outcome in the clash. Sunderland are 11th on the standings with 40 points, four behind Brentford in an European spot.
We reset and go again π#SUNBHA pic.twitter.com/qEkb7uEYxE
β Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) March 10, 2026
Brighton, meanwhile, suffered a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in their last league outing and will hope to bounce back with a win. The Seagulls are three places behind Sunderland in 14th with 37 points after winning nine, recording 10 draws and suffering 10 defeats out of their 29 league encounters so far.
Fabian Hurzelerβs men will be hoping for another win this time around, which could secure a return to the top half if other results go their ways.
Best betting odds
Away (Brighton) to Win or Draw – 1.36 (via 1xBet)
Prediction
Brighton have the better head-to-head record and have enough quality in their ranks to earn a favourable outcome in this clash.
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β Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) March 10, 2026
Head-to-Head record (last five meetings)
- 20.12.2025 – Brighton 0-0 Sunderland
- 23.08.2011 – Brighton 1-0 Sunderland
- 21.07.2010 – Brighton 1-1 Sunderland
- 19.02.2005 – Brighton 2-1 Sunderland
- 30.10.2004 – Sunderland 2-0 Brighton
Brighton have held the upper advantage in this matchup and have won two of the last five, while they are unbeaten in their last four meetings.
Recent form: Sunderland
Sunderland have been very inconsistent of late and have only won two of their last five matches across all competitions.
The Black Cats enjoyed a bright start to the season, but have fallen off in recent weeks and have lost their last two league matches at home.
Recent form: Brighton
Brighton have also been inconsistent, and the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in their last match ended their run of two consecutive victories.
Th Seagulls have won only one of their last four away games and have managed just a single clean sheet in their last 11 games across all competitions.
Player to watch
Carlos Baleba (Brighton)
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Cameroon international Carlos Baleba started the season slowly but has improved in recent weeks and his presence in the midfield, with his ball retention ability will be very crucial for Brighton in this encounter.
