Burnley vs Sunderland Prediction & Betting Tips (23 August)

Relegated from the Premier League in 2024, Burnley only needed an exercise to find the elite. Last season, the Clarets carried out a solid course which allowed them to finish 2nd of the Championship, with equal points with Leeds. They let the title slip away because of an unfavorable goal difference, but the essential was elsewhere: Burnley went up directly without going through the dams. The promoted knows that he will have to fight to maintain himself, but the positive dynamics of last year could serve him. In preparation, Kompany's men started well with a draw against Shrewsbury and then a success against Huddersfield. But they then derailed, chaining three losses against Warrington 3-2, Stoke 1-0 and Lazio 0-1. And the first day confirmed these concerns, with a heavy 3-0 defeat suffered on the Tottenham field. Premier League reel in 2017, Sunderland then sank, a fall told in a Netflix series where we saw the club plunge into the 3rd division.

Since then, the Black Cats have been able to rebuild themselves and find the elite this season. Last year, they finished 4th after the regular phase of the Championship. Qualified for the playoffs, Sunderland ruled out Coventry in the semifinals 3-2 after extra time on the double confrontation then Sheffield United in the 2-1 final, thus validating their climb. However, their summer preparation was disturbing, with 5 defeats in 6 games including a heavy 3-0 against the Rayo at the end. Enough to make a candidate announced to the maintenance, even if the Régis Le Bris team has no shortage of ambitions. And from the first day, she scored the spirits by correcting West Ham at home in a boiling atmosphere 3-0. 

Tactically, Burnley are expected to deploy a compact 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1, leaning on defensive discipline and counter-attacking bursts. Their home form remains a fortress, and Parker’s side will look to exploit Sunderland’s relative inexperience at this level. Sunderland, likely to line up in a 4-4-2, will rely on midfield control through Xhaka and Diarra, with Adingra and Talbi offering pace on the flanks. The battle between Brownhill and Xhaka could be pivotal, as both sides seek to assert dominance in the middle of the park. Historically, the fixture has been tight, with the last meeting ending goalless and both teams evenly matched across their last ten encounters.

While bookmakers lean slightly toward Burnley due to their home advantage, Sunderland’s momentum and attacking flair cannot be dismissed. Expect a cagey first half, with Burnley absorbing pressure before striking through Brownhill or Flemming. Sunderland will likely respond in kind, with Adingra or Ballard finding the net. Ultimately, Burnley’s experience and home resilience should edge them ahead in a tense affair, sealing a 2-1 victory that reflects both sides’ strengths and early-season hunger.

• Summary: Burnley is going head to head with Sunderland starting on 23 Aug 2025 at 14:00 UTC at Turf Moor stadium, Burnley city, England. The match is a part of the Premier League .
• Referee: Michael Salisbury
• Burnley Feedinco Rating: 6.42
• Sunderland Feedinco Rating: 7.15