Sunderland will look to build on an excellent return to the top-flight as they prepare for the 2026/27 Premier League season.
Widely tipped for an immediate return to the Championship, the Black Cats defied all expectations to secure an impressive 7th-place finish last season; above the likes of Chelsea and Newcastle as they qualified for European competition for the first time in 53 years.
Sunderland must now avoid the dreaded second-season syndrome as they look to continue their progress under Regis Le Bris, both domestically and in the Europa League, which has been won by English clubs in each of the last two seasons.
Read on for the latest Sunderland stats ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season, including their opening fixtures, transfer business, tactical approach, key players and predicted lineup.
Sunderland opening fixtures 2026/27 Premier League
Sunderland get their season underway away to new boys Ipswich Town, who they will face in the Premier League for the first time in 25 years.
The Black Cats then host Fulham at the Stadium of Light, before heading down south to take on Brentford.
Two tricky clashes round-off their opening five fixtures as they host defending champions Arsenal, then go to Manchester City.
| Date | Opponent | Kick-off |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday 22nd August | Ipswich (A) | 3pm |
| Sunday 30th August | Fulham (H) | 2pm |
| Saturday 5th September | Brentford (A) | 3pm |
| Saturday 12th September | Arsenal (H) | 8pm |
| Saturday 19th September | Man City (A) | 3pm |
Sunderland’s key players for 2026/27 Premier League
Sunderland top Premier League Golden Boot contender: Brian Brobbey
- Key stat: Brian Brobbey scored three goals for the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup.
Brian Brobbey chipped in with a club-high seven Premier League goals last season. The striker was by no means prolific but did showcase his quality in front of goal during the 2026 World Cup, scoring three times for the Netherlands. A 150/1 outsider in the Golden Boot betting.
Sunderland primary playmaker: Enzo Le Fee
- Key stat: Enzo Le Fee created 53 chances and 13 big chances last season, and contributed to 11 goals.
Enzo Le Fee was a key figure for Sunderland last season, contributing 11 goal involvements through five goals and six assists. The midfielder also impressed with his ability to create big chances and control the tempo of games, while possessing the quality to score spectacular goals. Fans will be encouraged by Le Fee’s summer comments about his ambition to become one of the best players in his position. He now needs to build on his impressive campaign and further increase his attacking output.
Sunderland card magnet and top tackler: Granit Xhaka
- Key stat: Granit Xhaka has accumulated over 150 yellow cards during his club career.
Sunderland picked up the fifth-most yellow cards in the Premier League last season (82), as well as three red cards. Granit Xhaka is no stranger to the referee’s book, having accumulated more than 150 yellow cards throughout his career, including eight in the Premier League last season. His tactical intelligence, leadership, passing range and ability to read the game and break up play will once again be hugely important to Sunderland this season.
Sunderland rising star: Chris Rigg
Chris Rigg will be looking to build on a positive end to the season, which saw him start five of Sunderland’s final nine games, playing 90 minutes twice. The 19-year-old academy product has continued to blossom in pre-season and, as he continues to develop his skillset, he should get plenty of opportunities in 2026/27 given the increase in games on Sunderland’s fixture list.
Sunderland 2026 summer transfers
Given their stellar 2025/26 campaign it’s very much been a case of clinging onto their star players this window which, so far, has been successful with no big names departing.
Forward Eliezer Mayenda has exited to Rennes after three seasons at Sunderland. Goalkeeper Anthony Patterson has dropped down a division to Wrexham. Meanwhile, Bertrand Traore, Dan Neil, Dennis Cirkin, and Niall Huggins all left after their contracts expired.
Sunderland haven’t been particularly active when it comes to incomings, but right-back Thomas Meunier could prove to be an astute addition.
| Incomings | Outgoings |
|---|---|
| Thomas Meunier (free transfer) | Eliezer Mayenda (Rennes) |
| Anthony Patterson (Wrexham) | |
| Bertrand Traore (out of contract) | |
| Dan Neil (out of contract) | |
| Dennis Cirkin (out of contract) | |
| Niall Huggins (out of contract) |
Sunderland tactical analysis and formation
Sunderland’s team stats (average per game in 2025/26 Premier League):
- Corners: 3.63
- Shots on target: 3.42
- Shots on target conceded: 4.45
- Offsides: 1.45
Robin Roefs was one of numerous Sunderland players to shine last season, keeping 10 clean sheets, which was the joint-sixth most in the league. The Dutchman also made 109 saves and remains the club’s undisputed No.1.
Granit Xhaka was linked with a summer move to Chelsea, but the Sunderland skipper – who was deservedly voted the club’s Player of the Year – now looks set to remain in the North East. His experience, leadership and quality will be more important than ever in centre midfield, alongside Noah Sadiki.
Nordi Mukiele is the standout option at right-back after scoring three goals and providing four assists in 32 appearances last season. However, incoming Thomas Meunier will provide some healthy competition. Omar Alderete and Dan Ballard should start as the two centre-backs, with Reinildo Mandava at left-back.
Enzo Le Fee excelled in midfield last season, but the two wide positions are less certain, with Sunderland potentially still looking to strengthen here. Chemsdine Talbi should start on left with either Trai Hume or Chris Rigg on the right.
Brian Brobbey is expected to lead the line, while reports suggest Wilson Isidor could leave the club.
Sunderland manager analysis
Sunderland have enjoyed a remarkable rise under Regis Le Bris. In just two seasons, the Frenchman has masterminded the Black Cats to Premier League promotion before securing an impressive 7th-place finish and Europa League qualification.
Le Bris’ next challenge is to keep Sunderland competitive in the Premier League while juggling the demands of European football, which will bring plenty of excitement but also fresh challenges.
Supporters, while cautious of not being too greedy, will also hope for a deep domestic cup run, given that their side has reached just one quarter-final across their last 24 FA Cup and Carabao Cup appearances.
| Manager | Team | P | W | D | L | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regis Le Bris | Sunderland | 93 | 38 | 28 | 27 | 40.9% |