Match Overview

Tottenham Hotspur welcome Sunderland to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a Premier League meeting that renews a fixture last seen in the top flight in 2017. Spurs are targeting a lift up the table and will lean on improving home form. Sunderland arrive on the back of a defensively sound spell and will look to keep the game tight. Small margins are likely with both sides relying on structure and discipline.

• Fixture: Tottenham Hotspur vs Sunderland
• Competition: Premier League
• Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
• Date: 04-01-2026
• Kickoff: 15:00 GMT / 15:00 UTC

Predicted Lineups

Tottenham Hotspur

• G. Vicario
• Pedro Porro
• M. van de Ven
• D. Spence
• K. Danso
• M. Kudus
• R. Bentancur
• João Palhinha
• X. Simons
• Richarlison
• R. Kolo Muani

Sunderland

• R. Roefs
• T. Hume
• N. Mukiele
• O. Alderete
• L. Geertruida
• G. Xhaka
• E. Le Fee
• N. Sadiki
• C. Rigg
• B. Brobbey
• W. Isidor

Injury & Suspension Report

Tottenham Hotspur

• L. Bergvall – Injury
• Y. Bissouma – International duty
• P. Sarr – International duty
• D. Kulusevski – Knee Injury
• J. Maddison – Knee Injury
• D. Udogie – Muscle Injury
• D. Solanke – Ankle Injury
• X. Simons – Red Card

Sunderland

• D. Ballard – Ankle Injury
• N. Sadiki – International duty
• C. Talbi – International duty
• B. Traore – International duty
• A. Masuaku – International duty
• H. Diarra – International duty
• Reinildo – International duty
• A. Alese – Shoulder Injury

Head-to-Head

These clubs share a long history with 106 prior meetings. Tottenham have 43 wins, Sunderland 34, and 29 draws. Their last Premier League clash came in January 2017 and ended 0-0, a reminder that this fixture can be cagey.

Match Analysis & Prediction

Tottenham’s recent home displays point to a side growing more assertive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. They have scored nine goals across their last five home matches and edged Crystal Palace 1-0 by managing the game well. Overall, Spurs sit 13th on 25 points from 18 games (7W-4D-7L), showing flashes of control mixed with the need for greater consistency.

Richarlison’s sharp strikes at home

Richarlison is central to Tottenham’s threat, with seven league goals so far and five of those at home. Service from the midfield trio of M. Kudus, R. Bentancur and João Palhinha should be key to sustaining pressure and second-ball control. The pattern at home has been measured buildup with timely accelerations in the final third, which suits Richarlison’s penalty-box instincts. If Spurs can maintain that balance, chances should arrive.

Sunderland’s clean-sheet platform

Sunderland have tightened up, recording back-to-back clean sheets and seven shutouts in 18 league games. Their last five outings bring one win and three draws, but just three goals scored, underlining a pragmatic approach. Goalkeeper R. Roefs has been dependable, and the defensive unit in front of him has limited errors. Against similarly ranked opponents, results have been split, suggesting they are competitive but often in low-scoring contests.

Tottenham look to outpace Sunderland

Expect Spurs to push the tempo and press high to disrupt Sunderland’s buildup. Tottenham’s structure aims to pin opponents back and create turnovers, while Sunderland will seek to slow the game, protect central areas with G. Xhaka and E. Le Fee, and look for direct moments to B. Brobbey and W. Isidor. If Sunderland absorb pressure early, they can turn this into a tactical stalemate; if Spurs find early rhythm, the visitors may have to open up.

Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Sunderland.