Sunderland – Tottenham: De Zerbi’s first night in the furnace of the Stadium of Light 
This Sunday, all eyes are on Sunderland as a new Spurs era gets underway. Tottenham are into their third managerial setup of the season after the arrival of Roberto De Zerbi. Sunderland, fresh from derby glory, will be desperate to spoil the party. For both sides, this Sunday showdown is a big one in the 2025-26 season.
Tottenham are banking on the De Zerbi bounce 
Tottenham have had a season of wild swings. After Igor Tudor was shown the door following a miserable home defeat to Nottingham Forest, Spurs broke out the chequebook for De Zerbi. It was a move born out of panic. Tottenham are flirting with the drop, with just a single point between them and the relegation zone. For Spurs fans, it’s been grim since the turn of 2026.
Even so, Tottenham have still been a dangerous side away from home, where they’ve picked up most of their points. De Zerbi knows they need a result, and fast, after 13 Premier League games without a win. The brief is simple: get his ideas across from the first whistle. If Tottenham’s forwards finally find their shooting boots, the London club might just kick-start a proper escape act. They also haven’t lost to Sunderland for 16 years.
Sunderland want to back up their derby smash-and-grab 
Sunderland come into this one riding a wave after taking down Newcastle United. That away win showed plenty of steel, but things at the Stadium of Light are a lot less rosy. Sunderland haven’t won at home since February, and their defence has too often leaked in front of their own fans. Regis Le Bris knows they need to tighten up if they’re serious about pushing into the top half.
With Tottenham likely to come out swinging for De Zerbi’s debut, Sunderland may have to dig in and suffer. But with Brian Brobbey up top, they’ve got a weapon who can punish any slip. Sunderland already held Tottenham earlier this year and will fancy a repeat. Keep a clean sheet and the European dream stays alive. The home crowd will be at it again, acting as the much-needed 12th man.
Probable line-ups
Sunderland : Roefs ; Geertruida, O’Nien, Alderete, Hume ; Sadiki, Xhaka, Diarra ; Rigg, Brobbey, Talbi
Tottenham : Kinsky ; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie ; Palhinha, Gray ; Tel, Simons, Richarlison ; Solanke
Football prediction Sunderland vs Tottenham
Both teams to score
This one looks properly hard to call.
Tottenham should look a different side under De Zerbi and are likely to get on the front foot. But Sunderland, boosted by their recent results away from home and the sharp edge of their forwards, will get chances too. Both defences have looked shaky in recent weeks, so there should be openings at both ends. Expect an open game, with Sunderland and Tottenham both finding the net in a lively atmosphere.
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