adminChris Sutton delivers score prediction for ‘amazing’ Sunderland clash vs ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ Brighton
Sunderland return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon with a challenging trip to face Brighton and Hove Albion, and former England striker Chris Sutton is backing the Black Cats to come away empty-handed.
Regis Le Bris’ side are flying high after edging past fierce rivals Newcastle United in a fiery Wear–Tyne derby at the Stadium of Light last weekend.
That victory lifted Sunderland up to eighth in the table. Brighton, meanwhile, sit 10th, three points adrift of the Black Cats and without a win in their last three matches.
Despite Sunderland’s impressive form, Sutton believes Brighton will rediscover their winning touch at the Amex Stadium.
Writing in his BBC Sport predictions column, he praised Sunderland’s remarkable campaign so far, describing their progress as “extraordinary” after accumulating 26 points from just 16 games — more than Leicester City managed across an entire relegation season last year.
Sutton acknowledged that Sunderland will be without several players due to the Africa Cup of Nations, but insisted this should not derail their momentum.
Instead, he suggested it presents an opportunity for others in the squad to step up, while noting the confidence surrounding Le Bris and his coaching staff. However, he also warned that the trip to the south coast represents a tough test.
Turning his attention to Brighton, Sutton described Fabian Hürzeler’s side as unpredictable but dangerous at home, pointing out that they have lost only once at the Amex this season.
Reflecting on their recent defeat at Liverpool, he felt the Seagulls were unfortunate not to score before going on to lose.
Ultimately, Sutton’s instinct led him to back a narrow home victory, predicting a 1-0 win for Brighton while conceding that Sunderland will make it difficult.
Ahead of the fixture, Le Bris also delivered an unexpected injury update. Speaking on Thursday, the Sunderland boss revealed that long-term absentee Habib Diarra could return to the matchday squad against Brighton before heading off to join Senegal for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
Le Bris explained that Diarra’s rehabilitation is nearing completion and that, if everything progresses positively, the midfielder will link up with his national side next week.
He also had words of praise for Brighton, describing them as a strong and intense outfit with numerous individual and collective threats, highlighting their quality in possession, aggressive pressing, and physicality.
Sunderland, he added, are relishing another demanding test as they look to continue their impressive Premier League campaign.
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