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Brentford vs Sunderland: Team News and Predicted Lineups

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | By Barry Dixon | Last updated Jan 6, 2026 5:16 PM ET

Brentford entertain Sunderland at the GTECH Community Stadium on Wednesday evening. The Bees have been impressive over the festive period with three wins and a draw. Their last game saw them defeat Everton 4-2 away from home. The Black Cats continue to impress in their first season back in the Premier League, and despite having six first-team players missing due to the African Cup of Nations, they have been defeated just once in their last six.

Here is the latest team news and predicted lineups for both Brentford and Sunderland.

Brentford vs Sunderland: Team News and Predicted Lineups

Brentford Team News

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, head coach Keith Andrews gave an update on player availability. He said: “It’s been a busy period of fixtures – that’s the nature of Christmas and New Year.

“We’re probably as we were. It’s pretty similar in terms of bodies and people available. There’s nothing new to report, really.”

Josh Dasilva remains sidelined with a knee ligament injury, while ACL injuries will keep out both Fábio Carvalho and Antoni Milambo for the rest of the season.

Frank Onyeka and Dango Ouattara are also unavailable due to their involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Sunderland Team News

Both Dan Ballard and Wilson Isidor will be assessed ahead of the game. Defender Ballard missed two games over the festive period with an ankle injury but came off the bench in the draw at Tottenham on Sunday. Regis Le Bris has a tough decision ahead of the game as to whether to bring the impressive defender back into the first team.

Isidor missed the trip to Spurs with a minor injury sustained in the draw with Manchester City. He will have a fitness test, but should he be declared fit, he will likely start from the bench.

Habbib Diarra, Bertrand Traore, Chemdine Talbi, Reinildo, Noah Sadiki, and Arthur Masuaku are away at the Africa Cup of Nations. While Aji Alese is a long-term absentee.