Sunderland vs Tottenham Preview: De Zerbi’s First Game – Can Spurs Survive the Stadium of Light?

Premier League Matchday 32 Preview Sunderland vs Tottenham Hotspur

Kick-off: Sunday, April 12 2026 | 14:00 UK time (15:00 local / 21:00 Beijing) Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland

Sunderland – In Good Form but Recent Home Wobble

Current Position: 12th

Sunderland picked up a huge boost last weekend with a 2-1 comeback win over Newcastle in the Tyne-Wear derby — their first derby victory in the Premier League in 15 years.

Match Highlights:

• Goalkeeper Robin Roefs and Ballard were missing through injury.
• Academy graduate Denien started, and young Swedish keeper Melker Ellborg continued between the sticks.
• Early mistake from a goal-kick led to Gordon’s opener for Newcastle.
• Sunderland responded strongly after halftime: Talbi leveled from a corner.
• Brobbey scored twice (including a brace) to secure the win after Zaka sparked the attack.

Recent Home Record: Unbeaten in their first 12 Premier League home games this season… but have now lost their last three at the Stadium of Light.

Injuries: Out: Jocelin Ta Bi, Romaine Mundle, Traoré, Simon Moore, Ballard, Angulo Returning soon: Ballard and Angulo expected back next week.

Sunderland have already secured survival mathematically and are chasing a club-record points tally (58 from 1999/2000), though that now looks unlikely.

Tottenham Hotspur – De Zerbi’s First Game in Charge

Current Position: 18th (Relegation Zone)

Spurs are in serious trouble. After beating Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, they crashed 0-3 at home to Nottingham Forest, which cost Igor Tudor his job. Roberto De Zerbi is now the third permanent manager this season.

De Zerbi faces a massive task: Spurs are in the bottom three, 2 points from safety (behind West Ham). The historical safe threshold is around 33–34 points — this season looks higher, so they probably need at least 7 points from remaining games to have a realistic chance.

Good news for De Zerbi:

• He has a strong record of winning his first game (Marseille, Shakhtar Donetsk, Sassuolo).
• He signed a five-year contract — even if they go down, he stays.

Injuries: Major absentees: Vicario (GK), Kudus (surgery), Bentancur, Davies, Sar, Bissouma, Tel, Odobert.

De Zerbi arrived with only two coaches and admitted the squad needs time to adapt to his high-risk, possession-based style (inviting press, quick passing triangles from the back).

Match Insights & Prediction

• Sunderland are dangerous at home despite the recent three-game losing streak and will be fired up after the derby win.
• Tottenham’s squad is decimated by injuries and low on confidence.
• New-manager bounce is real, but De Zerbi has had almost no time on the training pitch with the full squad.
• Historical record: Sunderland haven’t beaten Spurs in the league since 2009/10 (5 draws, 10 losses in last 15 meetings).

Fan Verdict: This is a huge opportunity for Sunderland to put serious pressure on the relegation zone. Spurs look vulnerable in transition and at set-pieces.

Predicted Score: Sunderland 2-1 Tottenham Most Likely Outcome: Sunderland win (home advantage + Spurs’ chaos).

Also on Sunday: Premier League

• Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa – 21:00
• Crystal Palace vs Newcastle United – 21:00