After Sunderland’s disappointing loss to Burnley and the penalty shootout defeat at the hands of Huddersfield Town in the Carabao Cup second round, the Mackems will look to bounce back at home against Brentford.
Squad Updates
Dan Ballard’s worrying groin injury that forced him off in the 9th minute against Burnley has been confirmed to be minor by Regis Le Bris. This news is a huge relief to Sunderland fans, especially considering Ballard’s previous injury history, including a lengthy hamstring problem last season.
💭 RLB on Dan Ballard:
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 26, 2025
'It’s not too serious. We expect him to be out for two to three weeks.' pic.twitter.com/IjXXeTRFI2
Local sensation Chris Rigg has penned a new contract with the Black Cats, keeping the 18-year-old at the club until 2030. Although he will be a rotation player in the Premier League this season, Rigg played 47 times for Sunderland in their Championship promotion campaign, contributing four goals and an assist. Rigg played the full 90 minutes against Huddersfield on Tuesday and looked especially strong in the second half, creating a chance for his team to score.
Chris Rigg, Olé, Olé, Olé 🆕✍️
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 28, 2025
The Sunderland Lineup
With Ballard’s injury, I expect Nordi Mukiele to step up into the Starting XI. Mukiele looked gargantuan and performed well in his debut against Huddersfield, despite the loss.
I also expect Marc Guiu to make his first Premier League start for Sunderland. His equaliser against Huddersfield was well taken, and he brought the game alive when substituted on against Burnley.
I predict Chemsdine Talbi will drop to the bench to accommodate Guiu. Although he has done nothing wrong within any stretch of the imagination, Simon Adingra has outperformed him, and in my eyes, Eliezer Mayenda can only ever leave the starting lineup if he’s injured.
The Opponents
After Brentford lost their manager, Thomas Frank, to Spurs, their striker Bryan Mbuemo to Manchester United, and still have Yoane Wissa sitting out to force a move to Newcastle, I'd suggest most football fans had written Brentford off this season, yet we couldn't have been more wrong so far.
Although losing 3-1 to Nottingham Forest on opening day, bouncing back to beat Aston Villa 1-0 is extremely impressive for Keith Andrews’ men, who then went on to beat Bournemouth 2-0 in the Carabao Cup.
My Prediction
I predict Brentford will use their Premier League pedigree and experience to good effect at the Stadium of Light. I think they’ll score early on, then manage the lead for the rest of the match in a 1-0 victory.
