Starting XI: One change predicted for Sunderland at Turf Moor

The celebrations after last Saturday rightly lasted a little longer than they would have after a more routine league win – however it’s going to be a long old season, and we really need to get down to business at Turf Moor as we face fellow promoted side Burnley.

Scott Parker’s team secured Premier League football with an incredibly strong defence, however with James Trafford and CJ Egan Riley departing their line up’s been impacted. While on face value, their 3-0 opening day defeat suggests that defence strength won’t necessarily translate to the Premier League, it wasn’t all one way traffic – and, as top flight football returns to Turf Moor, they’ll be desperate to get early points on the board.

For us, it’s a great opportunity to add to the three points gained last weekend, and you feel if we stand up to the early atmosphere and pressure successfully, there will be chances to come away with at least one point.

The eight debutants all looked good additions last week, and the biggest question mark today – pending any unreported injuries – surrounds Jenson Seelt, who went off injured early in the second half last weekend.

Goalkeeper: Robin Roefs

Barring a late fumble from a deep cross, Roefs was excellent on Saturday. He made a very important early save, and looked composed in everything he did. A great start.

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Defence: Trai Hume, Dan Ballard, Omar Alderete, Reinildo

Jenson Seelt was unlucky last week – he was playing well, but an awkward fall saw him exit stage left early in the second half, and his replacement, Omar Alderete, was excellent when he came on. He set up Mayenda’s goal, and played a huge part in our second half performance. While the club do evidently see a lot of potential in Seelt, I can’t imagine they imagine him playing too many Premier League games this season, and I think Alderete will come into the starting XI today. Other than that, it’ll be unchanged if everyone’s fit.

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Midfield: Granit Xhaka, Habib Diarra, Noah Sidiki

The midfield three of Xhaka, Diarra and Sidiki looked excellent on Saturday. Granit’s quiet authority was vitally important, and we need him to do that week in, week out. Diarra’s got a lot of praise post match, and rightly so, however Sidiki’s energy was equally important too. I’m looking forward to seeing how they do this afternoon.

Getty Images SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Habib Diarra of Sunderland celebrates during the Premier League match between Sunderland and West Ham United at Stadium of Light on August 16, 2025 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images) Getty Images Getty Images

Attack: Chemsdine Talbi, Eliezer Mayenda, Simon Adingra

Same again in attack as well – the only switch I could see potentially happening is Enzo coming in for Talbi but I think we’ll line up unchanged in attack. It was brilliant to see Mayenda, as well as Isidor, getting on the scoresheet last week, and Adingra getting an assist too. It all augers well, but we need to keep the momentum up and take advantage of it.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Sunderland’s Chemsdine Talbi during the Premier League match between Sunderland and West Ham United at Stadium of Light on August 16, 2025 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images) CameraSport via Getty Images Sunderland’s Spanish striker #12 Eliezer Mayenda celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Sunderland and West Ham United at The Stadium of Light in Sunderland in north east England on August 16, 2025. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images Offside via Getty Images

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