Sunderland vs AFC Bournemouth Match Preview: Premier League 2025/26 – Matchday 13
Match Details
Competition: Premier League 2025/26 – Matchday 13
Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025
Kick-Off: 15:00 GMT (17:00 Local Time)
Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland, England
Referee: TBA
TV Coverage: Sky Sports (UK), NBC Sports (US)
Current Standings and Context
This Premier League encounter brings together two promoted clubs experiencing remarkably different fortunes in their return to the top flight. Sunderland currently occupy an impressive position in the upper half of the table following their promotion from the Championship, demonstrating exceptional adaptability under new manager Régis Le Bris. Meanwhile, Bournemouth sit eighth with a respectable points tally, having established themselves as a solid mid-table Premier League side.
The contrasting recent form creates fascinating dynamics. Sunderland arrive on the back of a disappointing 3-1 defeat at Fulham that ended their four-match unbeaten run, which had included impressive results against Chelsea and Arsenal. Bournemouth come into this fixture having drawn 2-2 with West Ham after staging a remarkable comeback from two goals down, demonstrating their fighting spirit and attacking quality.
This match represents an important opportunity for both clubs. Sunderland seek to bounce back immediately from their Fulham setback and maintain their impressive home record at the Stadium of Light, while Bournemouth aim to secure their first away victory in recent weeks and consolidate their mid-table position.
Team Form Analysis
Sunderland – Impressive Promotion Adjustment
Régis Le Bris’s Sunderland have made a sensational return to the Premier League following an eight-year absence from the top flight. The Black Cats have adapted brilliantly to the elevated competition, establishing themselves in the upper half of the table through tactical discipline, defensive organization, and energetic performances.
The recent unbeaten run showcased Sunderland’s capabilities. They secured victories over Wolves and Chelsea before earning creditable draws against Everton (featuring Granit Xhaka’s stunning goal) and Arsenal (2-2), demonstrating they can compete with the league’s elite when performing to their potential.
However, the 3-1 defeat at Fulham exposed vulnerabilities. Le Bris acknowledged his team struggled in both penalty areas, ceding far more chances than had become customary. The statistics at Craven Cottage made uncomfortable reading – Sunderland’s performance metrics were among their worst of the season at both ends of the pitch.
Recent Form (Last 5 matches across all competitions):
L-D-D-W-W
Home Record – The Stadium of Light Fortress:
Sunderland’s home form has been exceptional. They have won three, drawn three and lost zero of their six home matches this season, scoring 11 goals while conceding just five. The passionate home support creates an intimidating atmosphere that visiting teams struggle to navigate, with the Stadium of Light becoming a genuine fortress once again.
The Black Cats have kept two clean sheets at home while demonstrating attacking quality that has produced multiple goals in several fixtures. This combination of defensive solidity and attacking threat makes them particularly dangerous on home soil.
AFC Bournemouth – Solid Mid-Table Performers
Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth continue building on their Premier League status with consistent, organized performances. The Cherries currently occupy eighth position, having established themselves as a difficult team to beat through tactical discipline and attacking quality.
Recent form tells a story of resilience and entertainment. After suffering heavy defeats to Manchester City (5-1) and Aston Villa (4-0), Bournemouth responded with character, earning a point at Crystal Palace before staging a dramatic comeback against West Ham. Trailing 2-0, they fought back to secure a 2-2 draw through second-half goals, demonstrating mental strength and attacking prowess.
Antoine Semenyo has emerged as Bournemouth’s standout performer and leading goalscorer. The winger’s combination of pace, skill and clinical finishing makes him dangerous throughout matches, particularly when given space to exploit defensive vulnerabilities.
Recent Form (Last 5 matches across all competitions):
D-L-L-W-D
Away Record:
Bournemouth’s away form represents their primary concern. They have struggled to replicate their home performances on the road, collecting minimal victories away from the Vitality Stadium. With one win, two draws and significant defeats in away fixtures, Bournemouth face a considerable challenge securing three points at the atmospheric Stadium of Light.
Head-to-Head Record
These teams have met just four times previously, with the historical record showing balance. Sunderland have won one match, Bournemouth have secured two victories, and one encounter ended in a draw. However, it’s been eight years since they last faced each other, meaning this fixture carries novelty and unpredictability.
Historical Context:
The extended gap since their last meeting means both squads have transformed completely. Sunderland have undergone significant changes during their years outside the Premier League, while Bournemouth have established themselves as a competent top-flight side under Iraola’s guidance.
The matches between these teams have typically produced goals at both ends, with an average of 2.00 goals per match across their four meetings. This suggests an entertaining encounter awaits, with both teams likely to create scoring opportunities.
Tactical Analysis
Sunderland’s Approach
Régis Le Bris faces tactical decisions following the Fulham disappointment. The French manager has primarily utilized a 4-3-3 formation, but recently experimented with five at the back against top opposition like Chelsea and Arsenal with considerable success.
For this home fixture, Le Bris must decide whether to revert to the 4-3-3 that allows Sunderland to field another midfielder who can get high up the pitch, or maintain the defensive solidity that served them well against elite teams. The decision likely depends on his assessment of Bournemouth’s attacking threat.
Key Tactical Elements:
- Flexible defensive shape (4-3-3 or 5-3-2)
- High pressing to disrupt Bournemouth’s build-up play
- Exploiting wide areas through dynamic wing play
- Quick vertical transitions when winning possession
- Set-piece threat from corners and free-kicks
- Physical intensity to match Bournemouth’s work rate
The potential return of Omar Alderete provides options. The natural left-footer has impressed with his composure in possession since joining from Getafe, and his inclusion could freshen up the backline either by replacing Lutsharel Geertruida or allowing the Dutchman to shift positions.
Bournemouth’s Game Plan
Andoni Iraola will organize Bournemouth in their characteristic attacking 4-2-3-1 formation that emphasizes possession, quick transitions, and exploiting space through intelligent movement. The Spanish manager favors progressive football that creates entertainment while remaining competitive.
Bournemouth have demonstrated attacking quality throughout the season, with their matches consistently featuring goals. Their ability to score multiple goals was evidenced in their comeback against West Ham, where second-half improvements delivered two goals and a valuable point.
Key Tactical Elements:
- Possession-based approach with patient build-up
- Creating overloads in wide areas
- Exploiting Semenyo’s pace and directness
- Quick counter-attacks when winning possession high
- Set-piece opportunities as scoring chances
- Maintaining defensive organization without the ball
The key for Bournemouth will be managing Sunderland’s intensity, particularly in the first half when the home crowd provides maximum inspiration. Iraola must ensure his team remains disciplined defensively while threatening on the counter-attack through Semenyo and other pacey attackers.
Team News and Injuries
Sunderland – Defensive Options Available
Sunderland approach this fixture with relatively few injury concerns, providing manager Régis Le Bris with extensive tactical options. The squad’s fitness represents a significant advantage as they seek to bounce back from the Fulham defeat.
Confirmed Absences:
- Chris Rigg (omitted from squad last week – fitness doubt)
Potential Returns:
- Omar Alderete (completed full week of training after previous absence)
Tactical Considerations:
Le Bris suggested potential changes following the Fulham performance, with Alderete’s return providing an option to freshen the defensive line. Lutsharel Geertruida could move positions or make way for the Paraguayan defender’s natural left-footed presence.
AFC Bournemouth – Managing Squad Fitness
Bournemouth travel to the North East with some fitness concerns affecting squad depth. Manager Andoni Iraola must navigate these absences while maintaining competitive quality throughout the lineup.
Confirmed Absences:
- David Brooks (injury)
- Tyler Adams (injury)
- Luis Sinisterra (injury)
- Alex Scott (injury)
Key Players Available:
- Antoine Semenyo (leading goalscorer – fully fit)
- Evanilson (available after recovery)
- Justin Kluivert (experienced attacking option)
The absence of David Brooks removes creative quality from Bournemouth’s midfield, but Semenyo’s continued availability provides their primary attacking threat. The Welsh winger’s injury represents a blow, but Bournemouth possess sufficient squad depth to compensate.
Predicted Lineups
Sunderland (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Anthony Patterson
Defense: Trai Hume, Luke O’Nien, Lutsharel Geertruida, Dennis Cirkin
Midfield: Dan Neil, Granit Xhaka (c), Elliot Anderson
Attack: Patrick Roberts, Wilson Isidor, Jack Clarke
Substitutes: Nathan Bishop, Omar Alderete, Aji Alese, Chris Rigg, Romaine Mundle, Jobe Bellingham, Abdoullah Ba, Eliezer Mayenda
AFC Bournemouth (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Mark Travers
Defense: Adam Smith, Illia Zabarnyi, Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez
Midfield: Lewis Cook (c), Ryan Christie
Attacking Midfield: Marcus Tavernier, Justin Kluivert, Antoine Semenyo
Striker: Evanilson
Substitutes: Will Dennis, James Hill, Max Aarons, Philip Billing, Enes Ünal, Dango Ouattara, Daniel Jebbison
Key Players to Watch
Sunderland
Granit Xhaka: The Swiss midfielder has been exceptional since joining Sunderland in the summer, providing leadership, experience and quality throughout midfield. His stunning long-range goal against Everton showcased his technical ability, while his organizational skills help structure Sunderland’s approach.
Jack Clarke: The winger provides pace, directness and unpredictability down the flanks. Clarke’s ability to beat defenders one-on-one and deliver quality crosses makes him dangerous throughout matches, particularly when exploiting space behind opposition full-backs.
Elliot Anderson: The young midfielder brings energy, creativity and box-to-box quality. Anderson’s ability to find space between the lines and contribute defensively makes him crucial to Sunderland’s tactical approach.
Wilson Isidor: The striker leads Sunderland’s attacking line with physical presence and intelligent movement. Isidor’s hold-up play and finishing ability provide the focal point for Sunderland’s offensive efforts.
AFC Bournemouth
Antoine Semenyo: The Ghanaian winger represents Bournemouth’s primary goal threat. His pace, skill and clinical finishing make him dangerous in one-on-one situations, particularly when exploiting space on the counter-attack. Capable of creating moments of brilliance at any time, Semenyo will be closely marked by Sunderland’s defense.
Justin Kluivert: The Dutch winger provides experience, creativity and goal threat from wide positions. His ability to cut inside and shoot or deliver crosses makes him a versatile attacking weapon.
Lewis Cook: The captain orchestrates Bournemouth’s play from midfield with passing range, work rate and tactical intelligence. His performance will largely determine whether Bournemouth can control possession and create scoring opportunities.
Evanilson: The Brazilian striker brings physicality, movement and finishing quality. His aerial ability and link-up play provide different dimensions to Bournemouth’s attacking approach.
Statistical Insights
Sunderland Statistics
- Unbeaten at home this season (3W, 3D, 0L)
- Scored 11 goals at Stadium of Light
- Conceded just 5 goals in home fixtures
- Kept 2 clean sheets at home
- Recent unbeaten run included results against Chelsea and Arsenal
- Lost 3-1 at Fulham most recently
- Average 1.18 goals scored per match overall
AFC Bournemouth Statistics
- Currently 8th in Premier League table
- Average 1.47 goals scored per match
- 87.5% of away matches featured Over 1.5 goals
- 87.5% of away matches featured Over 2.5 goals
- Struggled away from home with minimal victories
- Drew 2-2 with West Ham after trailing 2-0
- Antoine Semenyo is leading goalscorer
Historical Context
- First meeting in eight years
- Four previous meetings: Sunderland 1 win, Bournemouth 2 wins, 1 draw
- Average 2.00 goals per match across their four meetings
- Both teams promoted to Premier League this season
Match Predictions and Betting Insights
Expert Analysis
The contrasting circumstances create intriguing dynamics. Sunderland’s exceptional home record and passionate support provide significant advantages, but Bournemouth’s quality and experience at this level cannot be dismissed. The historical balance between the teams adds uncertainty to prediction models.
Bookmakers slightly favor Sunderland at 53% probability of victory, reflecting home advantage and superior recent home form. However, the tight odds suggest genuine uncertainty about the outcome, with both teams capable of securing points.
Key Factors
- Home Advantage: Sunderland’s unbeaten Stadium of Light record provides psychological edge
- Recent Form: Sunderland seeking bounce-back vs Bournemouth’s resilient draw
- Attacking Quality: Both teams possess goal threats through key players
- Away Struggles: Bournemouth’s poor away record creates vulnerability
- Tactical Battle: Le Bris’s flexible approach vs Iraola’s possession philosophy
Goals and Scoring Patterns
Expect an entertaining encounter with goals likely at both ends. Bournemouth’s away matches have consistently featured multiple goals (87.5% with Over 2.5), while Sunderland’s home fixtures have produced regular scoring opportunities.
Over 2.5 goals appears the most probable outcome with 61% likelihood according to predictive algorithms. Both teams’ attacking quality and defensive vulnerabilities suggest multiple goals will be scored.
Both teams to score is probable given Bournemouth’s attacking threat and Sunderland’s occasional defensive lapses. The 29% probability of Sunderland winning with both teams scoring represents value betting opportunity.
Score Prediction: Sunderland 2-1 AFC Bournemouth
Sunderland will secure victory through home advantage, passionate support, and determination to bounce back from the Fulham disappointment. The Black Cats will control proceedings for extended periods, creating multiple chances that eventually deliver goals.
Jack Clarke and Wilson Isidor should threaten regularly, with Granit Xhaka providing creative inspiration from midfield. Sunderland’s pressing intensity will disrupt Bournemouth’s possession-based approach, forcing errors that can be exploited on the counter-attack.
Bournemouth will score through Antoine Semenyo’s quality, exploiting one of Sunderland’s defensive lapses with pace and clinical finishing. However, the Cherries lack the defensive organization and away form to prevent Sunderland from securing victory at the Stadium of Light.
Final Verdict
Winner: Sunderland (2-1)
This Saturday afternoon encounter represents contrasting narratives. Sunderland seek immediate redemption from their Fulham disappointment, utilizing home advantage and passionate support to deliver three crucial points. Bournemouth aim to secure elusive away points and demonstrate their mid-table credentials against determined opposition.
Régis Le Bris faces important tactical decisions. Whether he reverts to the 4-3-3 that provides additional midfield presence or maintains the defensive solidity of five at the back will significantly impact Sunderland’s approach. The French manager’s ability to learn from the Fulham defeat and implement necessary adjustments will prove crucial.
For Bournemouth, Andoni Iraola must organize his team to withstand Sunderland’s intensity while exploiting counter-attacking opportunities through Semenyo and other pacey forwards. The Spanish manager knows his team’s poor away record must improve if they’re to achieve their seasonal objectives.
The tactical battle will be fascinating. Sunderland’s flexible defensive approach contrasts with Bournemouth’s possession-based philosophy, creating a classic encounter between contrasting styles. Individual quality in key moments will likely decide the outcome.
Key individual battles include Jack Clarke versus Milos Kerkez down Sunderland’s left flank, while Granit Xhaka’s midfield control will be contested by Lewis Cook’s organizational skills. In attack, Wilson Isidor faces aerial battles against Dean Huijsen, while Antoine Semenyo’s pace tests Sunderland’s defensive discipline.
Final Prediction: Sunderland 2-1 AFC Bournemouth
Sunderland will secure a deserved victory that maintains their impressive home record and provides momentum following the Fulham setback. The Black Cats will dominate territorially, create numerous chances, and demonstrate why the Stadium of Light has become such a difficult venue for visiting teams.
Bournemouth will compete throughout and score through Semenyo’s quality, but ultimately lack the away form and defensive organization to prevent Sunderland from securing three points. This result consolidates Sunderland’s impressive return to the Premier League while leaving Bournemouth searching for improved away performances. The match will entertain with its attacking quality and competitive intensity, showcasing why both clubs deserve their Premier League status.
