Sunderland vs Brighton: Team News and Predicted Lineups

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | By Barry Dixon | Last updated Mar 14, 2026 6:44 AM ET

Last Word on Football brings you the latest team news and the predicted lineups ahead of the Sunderland vs Brighton game at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon. The Black Cats will be desperate to bounce back from their disappointing result and performance in the FA Cup last weekend. A win here would see them move into the top half of the table. A victory for the Seagulls would see them go level on points with their hosts and all but secure their Premier League status.

Sunderland vs Brighton: Team News and Predicted Lineups for March 14

Date: Saturday, 14th March 2026
Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
Last meeting: Brighton 0-0 Sunderland, 20th December 2025, Premier League
Referee: Tom Kirk
Current odds: Sunderland 12/5, Brighton 11/10, Draw 12/5 (SkyBet)

Sunderland Team News

Out: Bertrand Traore (Knee), Robin Roefs (Hamstring), Nordi Mukiele (Calf), Reinildo (Knee), Romaine Mundle (Hamstring), Jocelin Ta Bi (Ankle)

Available: Brain Brobbey, Noah Sadiki, Trai Hume, Dennis Cirkin

With the Tyne-Wear Derby on the horizon, Head coach Regis Le Bris may be tempted to keep the returning Brian Brobbey and captain Granit Xhaka on the substitutes bench to ensure they are available for the big game next weekend. However, he will also want to play his strongest team against Brighton as he looks for a much-improved performance after their FA Cup exit.

Robin Roefs and Reinildo miss out again but are expected to return to training next week and should be available for the derby.

Brighton Team News

Out: Stefanos Tzimas (ACL), Adam Webster (ACL)

Doubt: Kaoru Mitoma (Ankle), Lewis Dunk, Solly March (Back). All will be assessed before the game and could feature.

Regarding Mitoma, Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler said: “We have to see how training goes today [Friday]. He’s the only player where we have some concerns, so we have to wait until training has finished today and then we can make a decision about that. All the others will be fine.”

On Sunderland, he said: We expect a loud stadium. We expect an opponent with a lot of self-confidence because they have had a really good season. So that’s a big challenge.”