Matchday squad update: Sunderland vs Brighton
Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland – 14 March 2026, Premier League (Round 30). Sunderland come in 11th on 40 points, Brighton sit 14th with 37 points in a tight mid-table battle.
Sunderland availability
Sunderland are heavily hit by absences. J. T. Bi, B. Brobbey, D. Cirkin, Reinildo, N. Mukiele, R. Mundle, R. Roefs and B. Traoré are all ruled out, with a mix of muscle and knee problems plus other injuries. That strips depth from defence and attack, with Brobbey and Traoré notable misses up front. Creative hub Granit Xhaka is fit and available, bringing 1 goal and a team‑high 5 assists from midfield, and will be key to supplying a rotated forward line.
Brighton availability
Brighton’s issues are concentrated at the back. Captain L. Dunk, A. Webster and S. Tzimas are all ruled out with knee injuries, weakening the central defensive options. Young defender C. Tasker is doubtful with an injury and will face a late fitness test. In attack, leading scorer Danny Welbeck is fully fit, carrying 10 league goals (including 1 from the spot) and remains Brighton’s main threat.
Impact summary
Sunderland lose significant depth but relatively modest proven attacking output, while Brighton’s main damage is defensive. With Welbeck’s 10 goals available and Xhaka’s 5 assists intact, Brighton retain more of their established attacking edge despite a stretched back line.
