Sunderland travel to Turf Moor this week to take on promotion rivals Burnley in a must-win game that could change the complexion of the title race.
With 20 games to go this season, Sunderland are still firmly involved in the Championship title race, and now sit just three points behind leaders Leeds United.
Regis Le Bris has worked wonders since his arrival on Wearside, but he now faces one of the toughest tests of the season as the Black Cats take on Burnley, a team that has conceded less than ten goals all season.
Can Le Bris keep Sunderland on track for promotion this weekend and make a huge statement of intent? Here are all the details you need to keep up with the big game.
Burnley vs Sunderland kick-off time
The game between Burnley and Sunderland is due to kick-off at 8pm on Friday, January 16, 2025. It is the first fixture of the weekend in the second tier, and allows the winner to put pressure on their opponents at the top of the Championship table.
How to watch Burnley vs Sunderland
If Sunderland fans can’t make the trip across to Lancashire for the game, they can watch all the action unfold live on Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Championship, and Sky Sports Main Event.
Coverage begins at 7pm with plenty of pre-match discussion on the Championship title race and the success of both teams so far this season. The fixture is the big event on Friday night and will get the full Sky Sports treatment.
Viewers can also catch the game on the move via the SkyGo app. Watching the match through any of these means will require a Sky Sports subscription.
Burnley vs Sunderland team news
We know for sure that Tommy Watson and Romaine Mundle are three to four weeks away from a return to the Sunderland lineup, while Alan Browne and Ian Poveda may be even further out.
Meanwhile, Aji Alese suffered a serious injury in the FA Cup clash with Stoke, and could be out for months, which is a real blow to Sunderland’s defensive depth.
However, Dan Ballard could and should be ready to get back on the pitch this week, while Ahmed Abdullahi is due to be fit for selection finally.
The most exciting prospect for Sunderland fans is the fact that new signing Enzo Le Fee could make his debut on Friday night. It all just depends on how Le Bris wants his midfield to look for the game, with big decisions to be made.
Burnley will be without Nathan Redmond, Enock Agyei, Benson Manuel, Jordan Beyer, and Aaron Ramsey who are all injured. Oliver Sonne and Hannibal are also suspended for the game.