Second-placed Burnley know that a victory would lift them to the top of the Championship table for at least a couple of nights until Leeds United take on Sheffield Wednesday in Sunday's Yorkshire derby at Elland Road.
Scott Parker’s Clarets remain unbeaten at Turf Moor, but they have posted six home draws, including a disappointing 0-0 stalemate with Stoke City on New Year’s Day.
The Black Cats were the Championship leaders for almost two months between early October and late November and they have done well over recent weeks.
Regis Le Bris’ side have taken 13 points from the last six league fixtures and have started 2025 on the front foot, posting home wins over Sheffield United (2-1) and Portsmouth (1-0).
Sunderland draw no bet - 11/8
Sunderland have taken seven points from four games against fellow top-four sides and they can pass a massive test by ending Burnley’s unbeaten home record.
The Black Cats have put their faith in a talented, youthful squad and it seems to be paying dividends.
They went through a winless November when injuries and suspensions started to bite, but have responded superbly over recent weeks and are firmly in the mix for automatic promotion.
Le Bris’ side have plenty of energy, as would be expected from such a young group, but are also mentally strong, enabling them to rise to big occasions.
Burnley have only lost two league games all season, but they are still struggling to score enough goals and were held to goalless draws in recent league fixtures away to Middlesbrough and at home to Stoke.
Parker’s outfit are defending solidly and have only conceded four home league goals all season, but an improvement in attack may be needed if they are to avoid missing out on a top-two finish.
Big games can often be decided by moments of offensive brilliance and, given Sunderland’s apparent advantage in the final third, they look a reasonable draw no bet wager at 11/8.
Wilson Isidor to score anytime - 4/1
Burnley are usually rock-solid at the back, but they will be tested by the Wearsiders, who have several exciting attacking players.
Black Cats’ manager Le Bris has seen several of his younger players impress, including midfielders Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham, who have each contributed four league goals.
Attacker Eliezer Mayenda came to the fore recently with the winning goal at home to Sheff Utd, but Wilson Isidor has been their most reliable forward, netting eight times in 23 league appearances.
Isidor has the pace, movement and finishing skills to cause Burnley a lot of problems and he looks a tempting anytime scorer bet at 4/1.
Jobe Bellingham to be carded - 9/2
England Under-21 international Bellingham is a hugely talented player with 92 EFL appearances under his belt already, but he can be reckless with his tackling and has picked up seven cards this season, including a dismissal in last November’s 0-0 draw at QPR.
He has been one of the key players for the Black Cats and came up with decisive winning goals in last month’s wins away to Swansea City (3-2) and at home to Norwich City (2-1).
He has also been booked in two of Sunderland’s last three away fixtures and looks an overpriced 9/2 shot to be carded against the Clarets.
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Burnley - 23/20
Draw - 12/5
Sunderland - 23/10
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.