Sunderland vs Tottenham: Premier League Relegation Battle Preview
Roberto De Zerbi takes charge of his first Tottenham Hotspur game this Sunday, with his new team having alarmingly dropped into the Premier League relegation zone. The crucial clash sees Spurs travel to face a resilient Sunderland side at the Stadium of Light.
A New Era Begins for Tottenham Under De Zerbi
The former Brighton & Hove Albion manager has been installed as the replacement for Igor Tudor, tasked with the immediate mission of steering Tottenham to survival. This appointment comes as the club seeks to salvage a wretched campaign, having watched helplessly as results elsewhere pushed them into the bottom three following West Ham's victory over Wolves on Friday night.
De Zerbi faces a potentially demanding start against a Sunderland team that has been notably strong at home for much of the season. Under the guidance of Regis Le Bris, who has done fine work since promotion from the Championship, the Black Cats have European qualification not entirely out of reach and will be eyeing a strong sprint to the finish line.
Match Information: When and How to Watch
When is Sunderland vs Tottenham?
The Premier League fixture between Sunderland and Tottenham is scheduled to kick off at 2pm BST on Sunday, 12 April 2026, at the Stadium of Light.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event. Coverage on the channel begins from 1pm BST. For those preferring to stream, a live broadcast will be available via the Sky Go app or the NOW streaming service.
Team News and Possible Line-ups
Sunderland Team News:
Robin Roefs should bolster Regis Le Bris's squad as Sunderland return to Premier League action. However, the hosts will be without Nilson Angulo, Bertrand Traore, and Romaine Mundle due to injuries. Defender Dan Ballard is also unlikely to be risked for this encounter.
Tottenham Team News:
For Tottenham, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario underwent hernia surgery during the recent international break and appears set to miss out, with Antonin Kinsky expected to deputise. New manager Roberto De Zerbi appears likely to implement a back four formation. In further setbacks, Mohammed Kudus has suffered a complication in his recovery after returning to training and remains absent.
Possible Line-ups:
- Sunderland XI: Roefs; Geertruida, O'Nein, Alderete, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Talbi, Diarra, Le Fee; Brobbey
- Tottenham XI: Kinsky; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Gray, Bergvall; Kolo Muani, Simons, Tel; Solanke
This match represents a critical juncture for both clubs, with Tottenham fighting for Premier League survival and Sunderland aiming to consolidate a strong season. All eyes will be on De Zerbi's tactical approach in his managerial debut for Spurs.
