Aston Villa – Sunderland

Aston Villa host Sunderland in what promises to be a decisive clash for both sides. Villa sit 19th with just a single point from four games, having failed to find the net more than once and conceding seven, while Sunderland sit a modest 14th on four points, boasting a solitary win and a goal difference of minus two. The visitors will be looking to build on their recent victory and climb out of the lower half, whereas Villa must turn their fortunes around quickly to avoid slipping further toward the relegation zone. The head‑to‑head record offers little solace for the home side, making this encounter a crucial test of their resilience.