Brighton vs Sunderland | Premier League Preview & Betting Tips

Brighton vs Sunderland — Premier League, 20 December 2025

A fascinating Premier League clash on the south coast as Brighton host newly-promoted Sunderland in a game that could quietly shape both of their seasons.

🗞️ Introduction

Brighton come into this one sitting comfortably in mid-table, but with a sense that they’ve left points on the pitch recently. Performances have been good, but results haven’t always followed.

Sunderland’s return to the Premier League has been impressive. They’ve picked up points against some big sides and arrive with confidence after a narrow home win last weekend.

The Amex should be buzzing for a Saturday afternoon kick-off, with a solid travelling support expected from the north-east adding to the atmosphere.

Brighton will look to dominate the ball and stretch the pitch, while Sunderland are likely to stay compact, defend in numbers and look to strike quickly when opportunities appear.

🔑 Tactical Trends

Brighton average over 54% possession and attempt more than 15 shots per game, showing their intent to control matches and play on the front foot.

Sunderland see far less of the ball at around 42% possession, but they’ve been efficient, keeping games tight and making the most of limited chances.

This looks like a classic control-versus-compact setup, with Brighton probing patiently and Sunderland relying on defensive discipline.

📋 Form

Brighton: last ten competitive games read four wins, three draws and three defeats. Around 15 goals scored, 15 conceded, with three clean sheets and an average of 1.4 points per game.

Sunderland: four wins, three draws and three defeats from the last ten. Twelve goals scored, thirteen conceded, two clean sheets and a solid 1.5 points per game.

📊 Average goals scored per game
Brighton
1.50
Sunderland
1.20

📊 Average goals conceded per game
Brighton
1.50
Sunderland
1.30

📊 Clean sheet percentage
Brighton
30%
Sunderland
20%

📊 Average possession
Brighton
54.5%
Sunderland
42%

📊 Average yellow cards per game
Brighton
1.9
Sunderland
2.2

📊 Average points per game
Brighton
1.4
Sunderland
1.5

🏟️ Home vs Away Form

Brighton at home have been steady rather than spectacular, averaging around 1.6 goals scored but conceding regularly.

Sunderland away from home have mixed results, but notable wins and draws suggest they’re comfortable sitting in and frustrating hosts.

⚔️ Attack vs Defence
Goals For
Goals Against

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BTTS Likelihood
KickTheBookies BTTS likelihood
56%
Model view for this specific match
Expected Goals (xG) Match-up
xG For
xG Against

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Brighton consistently create higher quality chances, while Sunderland rely on efficiency rather than volume.

⚖️ Head-to-Head

The last five meetings stretch back to Championship days. Brighton have won three of those, including two at the Amex, while Sunderland’s last win came at home in 2016. Tight games have been the norm.

🧠 KickTheBookies Prediction

Brighton’s control and chance creation should eventually tell, but Sunderland are organised enough to keep this competitive.

Prediction: Brighton 2–1 Sunderland

💡 Betting Tips

Main pick: Brighton to win — home control and xG edge.

Value angle: Both teams to score — neither side keeps many clean sheets.

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⚽ Best Bet: Back Brighton to win

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FAQ: Brighton vs Sunderland
Who will win Brighton vs Sunderland?

Brighton are slight favourites due to home advantage and stronger chance creation.

What is the KickTheBookies prediction?

Brighton to win 2–1.

Will both teams score?

BTTS is rated slightly more likely than not.

Is over 2.5 goals a good bet?

It’s borderline, but Brighton games tend to be open.