The Black Cats will be looking to continue their unbeaten run after an impressive goalless draw against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side on New Year's Day.
Regis Le Bris’ team are now four games unbeaten, drawing their last three games, despite losing seven players to the African Cup of Nations.
Spurs themselves have started 2026 unbeaten following a goalless draw at Brentford; this came off the back of a 1-0 away win against Crystal Palace to end 2025.
Team News
Tottenham Hotspur
Lucas Bergvall is a doubt ahead of Sunday’s game, but Thomas Frank confirmed Dominic Solanke is getting closer to full fitness and expects to have the England striker back in contention by the end of January.
James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Destiny Udogie all remain sidelined, and Yves Bissouma and Pape Sarr are still on international duty at the African Cup of Nations.
Xavi Simons is serving the final game of his three-match ban following his red card against Liverpool.
Sunderland
Defender Dan Ballard is expected to be back in contention after missing the last two games with an ankle injury.
Habib Diarra, Bertrand Traore, Chemsdine Talbi, Noah Sadiki, Arthur Masuaku and Reinildo Mandava all remain at the African Cup of Nations with their respective countries.
Likely Line-ups
Tottenham Hotspur
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van De Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Bentancur, Gray; Kudus, Odobert, Richarlison
Sunderland
Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Cirkin; Xhaka ©, Geertruida; Mayenda, Le Fee, Mundle; Brobbey
Key Players
Sunderland – Enzo Le Fee
The French attacking midfielder has been flying under the radar for Sunderland this season.
While Granit Xhaka deservedly receives most of the plaudits for the success of Le Bris’ team, Le Fee himself has been instrumental.
The Former Roma midfielder has two goals and three assists to his name so far this season and delivered another impressive performance against Manchester City on Thursday.
Le Fee completed 80% of his 41 passes, created two chances, made four tackles, five interceptions, three recoveries, and won eight of his 10 duels.
Sunderland’s counter attacks seemed to flow through Le Fee against City, and the same will be required again from the Frenchman on Sunday if the Black Cats are to come away from Spurs with a result.
Tottenham Hotspur – Mohammed Kudus
Kudus has been an important part of Frank’s team since joining from West Ham in the summer.
His two goals and five assists makes him second among all Spurs players this season behind Richarlison.
However, Kudus hasn’t registered a goal or assist in his last four games and only has one goal and one assist in his last 10 Premier League games.
If Spurs are to unlock Sunderland’s stingy defence, then Kudus could be the key.
Spurs will need a big game from their Ghanaian winger against a side that has only conceded once in their last four games and ranks third for goals conceded behind Arsenal and Manchester City.
Kudus ranks seventh in the Premier League for successful dribbles per 90 and could prove to be a tough task for former Spurs player Dennis Cirkin, who has only played two times this season.
Match Details
Where is the match being played?
The match will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
What time is the match?
Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 GMT on Sunday 4th January 2026.
How can I watch?