v Burnley (A) 17-1-25
Burnley vs. Sunderland Match Preview: 17th January 2025
An electrifying encounter awaits as Burnley host Sunderland at Turf Moor on Friday, 17th January 2025. With both teams vying for promotion, this Championship clash under the floodlights promises high stakes and intense action. The atmosphere is set to be electric as fans from both sides anticipate a pivotal match in the race for Premier League football.
Match Details
Date: Friday, 17th January 2025
Kick-off Time: 8:00 PM GMT
Venue: Turf Moor, Burnley
Broadcast: Sky Sports Football and Sky Go (UK), ESPN+ (US)
Head-to-Head Analysis
Sunderland and Burnley have a long-standing rivalry with numerous encounters across various competitions. Here's a snapshot of their historical head-to-head record:
| Competition |
Games Played |
Sunderland Wins |
Burnley Wins |
Draws |
| All Competitions |
120 |
48 |
39 |
33 |
One of their most memorable clashes was on 28th August 2019, when Sunderland secured a 3-1 victory at Turf Moor in the League Cup.
Current League Positions
Burnley: Currently 3rd in the Championship, Burnley are just three points behind second-placed Sheffield United, aiming for a swift return to the Premier League.
Sunderland: Sitting in 4th place, Sunderland are in strong form, pushing hard for promotion with recent impressive performances.
Implications:
- For Burnley: A win could propel them into the automatic promotion spots, intensifying the race at the top of the table.
- For Sunderland: Securing three points would bolster their promotion ambitions, potentially closing the gap on the top three.
Team News
Burnley:
- No major injury concerns reported ahead of the match.
- Recently signed Peruvian defender Oliver Sonne from Danish club Silkeborg. Sonne, known for his versatility and defensive prowess, is expected to bolster Burnley's backline.
- Manager Scott Parker may integrate Sonne into the squad, potentially opting for a more solid defensive setup to counter Sunderland's attacking threats.
Sunderland:
- Defender Aji Alese remains out long-term, while Dan Ballard and Ahmed Abdullahi are nearing returns to full fitness.
- Secured midfielder Enzo Le Fée from Roma, initially on loan with a £20 million obligation to buy if promoted. Le Fée, who previously played under manager Régis Le Bris at FC Lorient, is expected to add creativity to the midfield.
- Le Bris faces a selection dilemma in midfield, deciding whether to start Le Fée or captain Dan Neil. Jobe Bellingham is also pushing for a starting spot, making the midfield selection crucial for Sunderland's approach.
Key Battles
- The duel between Burnley's new signing Oliver Sonne and Sunderland's potential debutant Enzo Le Fée could be pivotal in controlling the game's tempo and creating opportunities.
- Burnley's defense, potentially strengthened by Sonne, will need to contain Sunderland's attacking threats, particularly if Jobe Bellingham starts and adds dynamism to their forward play.
Form Guide
| Team |
Last 5 Matches |
Goals Scored |
Goals Conceded |
| Burnley |
W, D, W, W, L |
8 |
4 |
| Sunderland |
W, W, D, L, W |
9 |
5 |
Burnley have been formidable at home, with a strong defensive record, while Sunderland have demonstrated resilience and attacking prowess on the road, setting up an intriguing contest.
Quirky Stories & ‘Did You Know?’
- Burnley's recent signing, Oliver Sonne, is the nephew of world-renowned supermodel Helena Christensen. Beyond football, Sonne has a modeling career, having worked with brands like Gucci and Armani.
- Jude Bellingham and his younger brother Jobe delighted a young Burnley fan by humorously signing a 10-year contract to join the club during the festive period.
Prediction
This match promises to be a closely contested affair, with both teams in strong form and eyeing promotion. Burnley's home advantage and recent defensive reinforcement with Oliver Sonne could give them a slight edge. Predicted Scoreline: Burnley 2-1 Sunderland.
