Tottenham Hotspur host newly-promoted Sunderland in their first home Premier League fixture of 2026. Spurs sit around 13th in the table after 19 games, while Sunderland have impressed on their top-flight return, sitting comfortably in 7th with strong defensive form.
Match Details Date/Time: Sunday, January 4, 2026 – 3:00 PM GMT (10:00 AM ET)
Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
Broadcast: Sky Sports (UK); check local listings elsewhere
Recent Form
Tottenham: Drew 0-0 away at Brentford on New Year’s Day, following a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace. They’ve kept clean sheets in recent outings but struggled creatively, especially at home (only a few wins at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2025).
Sunderland: Held Manchester City to a 0-0 draw at home on January 1, extending a solid run (unbeaten in several games, including draws against top sides). Their away form is cautious – few goals scored, but are hard to break down.
Both teams come off goalless draws, suggesting a low-scoring affair is likely.
Team News
Tottenham: Heavy absences due to injuries, suspensions, and AFCON. Out: Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr (AFCON), James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Xavi Simons (suspended), Dominic Solanke (injured, possible late January return), Ben Davies, potentially Destiny Udogie and Lucas Bergvall (doubts). Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani could lead the attack, with Mohammed Kudus providing width.
Sunderland (managed by Régis Le Bris): Hit hardest by AFCON, missing six players including Habib Diarra, Simon Adingra, Bertrand Traore, and others. Daniel Ballard is a doubt (ankle) but could return. Their depth will be tested, but organisation remains key.
Head-to-Head & Key Stats
Spurs are unbeaten in their last 14 Premier League meetings with Sunderland (W10 D4).
Tottenham have scored in nearly all recent home games against promoted sides.
Sunderland have scored just four goals in nine away Premier League games this season, shutting out opponents frequently at home but struggling for goals on the road.
Richarlison has a strong record against promoted teams.
Prediction
This looks set for a tight, tactical battle, with both sides depleted and coming off defensive displays. Tottenham’s home advantage might edge it, but Sunderland’s resilience (e.g., holding City) could frustrate them.
Many previews lean toward a low-scoring draw or narrow Spurs win – expect under 2.5 goals.
Common predicted scorelines: 1-1 draw or 2-0/1-0 to Tottenham. Sunderland + double chance (win or draw) is a popular betting pick given Spurs’ home struggles.
