Sports Mole

The Stadium of Light hosts Roberto De Zerbi's second Premier League debut on Sunday afternoon, as Tottenham Hotspur head north to battle Sunderland.

The Lilywhites remain just a point above the relegation zone in the Premier League table, while the Black Cats sit 13 points better off and are still dreaming the European dream.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest team news for Sunderland and Tottenham.

SUNDERLAND vs. TOTTENHAM

SUNDERLAND

Out: Nilson Angulo (unspecified), Bertrand Traore (knee), Jocelin Ta Bi (ankle), Daniel Ballard (hamstring) Romaine Mundle (hamstring)

Doubtful: None

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Roefs; Geertruida, O'Nien, Alderete, Hume; Sadiki, Xhaka, Diarra; Rigg, Brobbey, Talbi

TOTTENHAM

Out: Mohammed Kudus (thigh), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), James Maddison (knee), Rodrigo Bentancur (thigh), Guglielmo Vicario (hernia), Ben Davies (ankle), Wilson Odobert (knee), Yves Bissouma (muscle)

Doubtful: Mathys Tel (knock), Pape Sarr (shoulder)

Liverpool left-back Andrew Robertson has reportedly reached an agreement to join Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

Robertson recently announced that he will bring the curtain down on his nine-year stay at Arsenal when his contract expires at the end of the season.

With Robertson set to become a free agent, he has been linked with a potential move abroad amid interest from Atletico Madrid, Napoli and Juventus.

However, it appears that the Scotland international looks set to continue his playing career in England.

Robertson agrees Tottenham move

A recent report claimed that relegation-threatened Tottenham have emerged as the frontrunners for Robertson's signature.

In a fresh update, journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Robertson has a 'verbal agreement' in place to join Spurs this summer.

However, the update claims that nothing has been 'sealed' due to Tottenham's precarious position in the Premier League table.

Spurs are currently two points adrift from safety after dropping into the bottom three following West Ham United's 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday.

Robertson's proposed move to Spurs will only go through if Roberto De Zerbi's side can avoid relegation to the Championship.

Why are Spurs keen to sign Robertson?

Tottenham can call upon Destiny Udogie, Djed Spence and Souza as their main left-back options.

However, Udogie's recurring injury issues are a cause of concern and raise doubts over his long-term future in north London.

The right-footed Spence is capable of playing on the opposite side of defence, while Souza is only 19 and will need to continue his development before he can make a realistic claim to be the club's first-choice left-back.

With all that in mind, Tottenham have seemingly identified that area of the pitch as one that needs addressing as part of their summer rebuild.

As long as they are successful in their survival fight, Robertson would be a strong addition to the Tottenham squad, largely because he would bring valuable experience and a strong mentality to a group that has lacked leadership this season.

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to pick up an important victory when they travel to Sunderland on Sunday.

The visitors slipped into the relegation zone after rivals West Ham United thumped Wolves 4-0 on Friday, leaving Roberto De Zerbi's side two points from safety with a game in hand.

The hosts, meanwhile, currently sit 11th in the Premier League table and have enjoyed an impressive first season back in the top flight.

Here, Sports Mole details how to watch the contest.

What time does Sunderland vs. Tottenham kick off?

The match will kick off at 2:00pm on Sunday afternoon in the UK.

Where is Sunderland vs. Tottenham being played?

The match is being played at the Stadium of Light, which is one of the biggest grounds in the UK with a capacity of around 49,000.

This will be Tottenham's first trip to the ground since 2017 and they are unbeaten in their last seven matches there.

How to watch Sunderland vs. Tottenham in the UK

TV channels

Sunderland vs. Tottenham will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.

Online streaming

There will also be the option to stream the match live in the UK via Sky Go, Virgin TV Go and EE TV if you have a Sky Sports subscription.

You can also purchase a NOW TV subscription to watch the match, with daily and monthly options available for £14.99 and £34.99 respectively.

Highlights

Highlights will be available to watch on the Sky Sports YouTube channel and the official channels of both clubs, while Match of the Day will also broadcast highlights on BBC One from 10:45pm on Sunday.

What is at stake for Sunderland and Tottenham?

Tottenham are in real danger of getting relegated for the first time since 1977 this season and they have given De Zerbi just seven games to save them.

The former Brighton boss returns to the Premier League after a volatile spell in charge of Marseille, where he guided them to a second-place finish in his first season before being sacked midway through his second with the club fourth in Ligue 1 and eliminated from the Champions League.

De Zerbi takes charge of a side that has not won a league game in 2026 and is struggling with an injury crisis, with the likes of James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Mohammed Kudus currently sidelined.

Sunderland, meanwhile, head into this game off the back of a huge 2-1 win over rivals Newcastle United in the Tyne-Wear derby.

However, Regis Le Bris's side have lost their last three home games and will be keen to avoid a fourth consecutive home league defeat for the first time since September 2017.

Sunderland are just three points off seventh-placed Brentford and there is still a chance that they could qualify for Europe this season.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly stepped up their plans to sign a new centre-back in the summer transfer window, with Giorgio Scalvini on their radar.

However, any transfer planning currently takes a backseat, as survival remains the immediate priority for the north London club following a disastrous 2025-26 campaign.

Spurs currently sit 18th in the Premier League table and are in desperate need of points from their remaining seven matches to retain their top-flight status.

After dismissing two managers in a single season, the club are expected to back Roberto De Zerbi moving forward, although much will depend on where they finish at the end of the campaign.

Strengthening the defence has emerged as a key priority, particularly with uncertainty surrounding the futures of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin.

Tottenham eye move for Giorgio Scalvini?

According to a report from TeamTalk, Spurs have internally discussed several defensive targets as part of their ongoing recruitment plans, with Scalvini among the options being considered.

The Italian centre-back has made 129 appearances for Atalanta since progressing through the club’s youth academy, scoring eight goals along the way.

Scalvini is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most promising young defenders, although his development has been affected by injury setbacks in recent seasons.

This campaign, the exciting defender has made 16 Serie A starts and scored three goals, showing encouraging signs of returning to his best level.

While several Premier League clubs are monitoring the Italy international, Tottenham are among the interested sides, although no formal approach has been made so far.

New defensive set up at Spurs next season?

De Zerbi could look to reshape Tottenham’s defensive structure, potentially introducing younger profiles into the backline.

Luka Vuskovic has impressed during his loan spell at Hamburg and is expected to return to the club in the summer.

Even so, Spurs may still require an additional centre-back, particularly if Romero or Dragusin depart, making Scalvini an attractive option for the future.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in pole position to sign Liverpool left-back Andrew Robertson on a free transfer in the summer window.

The Reds confirmed earlier this week that Robertson will leave the club following the expiry of his contract, bringing an end to his nine-year spell at Anfield.

Robertson joined Liverpool from Hull City in 2017, signed by Jurgen Klopp, and went on to establish himself as one of the finest left-backs in the club’s history.

A true club legend, Robertson has made over 370 appearances and won two Premier League titles as well as the Champions League, among several other major honours.

Tottenham eye move for Robertson - but one key condition

According to David Ornstein, Spurs are leading the race to sign Robertson on a free transfer this summer - but only if they manage to avoid relegation.

The north London side currently sit 18th in the Premier League table with 30 points from 31 games, and they will need a strong finish to steer clear of the drop.

Spurs were linked with a move for the 32-year-old during the January window, but Robertson opted to remain at Liverpool for the remainder of the campaign.

A player of his quality is certain to attract interest from across Europe, yet Spurs could present an appealing option for the Scotland captain if he chooses to remain in the Premier League.

Robertson exit - sensible move from Liverpool?

The Scottish defender will depart with his head held high after years of outstanding service, and it appears the timing may be right for both parties to move in different directions.

Robertson showed signs of defensive decline last season as errors began to creep into his game, and he has since fallen behind Milos Kerkez in the pecking order under Arne Slot.

Spurs could be building an exciting project under Roberto De Zerbi - provided they secure survival - and Robertson would represent a smart and experienced addition on a free transfer.

The defender could also attract interest from top European clubs, while a return to Scotland with either Celtic or Rangers remains a possible option at this stage of his career.

New Tottenham Hotspur boss Roberto De Zerbi has ended the day in the Premier League bottom three for the first time in his career.

Spurs were sitting just one point clear of the bottom three when De Zerbi was named as Igor Tudor's successor.

However, their precarious situation has taken a turn for the worse before the 46-year-old has even taken charge of his first match as Tottenham boss.

That is because they have dropped into the bottom three following West Ham United's emphatic 4-0 win over basement side Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday evening.

West Ham condemn De Zerbi to Premier League first

Konstantinos Mavropanos and Taty Castellanos both netted braces in a commanding win for Nuno Espirito Santos's side, moving them out of the drop zone and two points above the drop zone.

As a result of West Ham's win, De Zerbi finishes the night with his team in the relegation zone for the first time in his career as a Premier League manager.

The Italian managed to avoid the drop zone in his two seasons as Brighton & Hove Albion head coach.

The Seagulls finished in sixth and 11th spot under De Zerbi's watch, a world away from the relegation battle he has taken on at Tottenham.

When were Spurs last in the relegation zone?

Not only is De Zerbi in unfamiliar territory, but Spurs find themselves in the drop zone for the first time since August 2015.

In fact, the north London club are down in the bottom three after a minimum of three matches of a single Premier League season for the first time since January 2009.

Spurs know they will finish matchday 32 in 18th place if they fail to take maximum points from De Zerbi's first game in charge against Sunderland on Sunday.

The former Marseille boss needs to lift a side that have failed to win their last 13 league matches since Crystal Palace in December.

Tottenham have avoided defeat in their previous 15 Premier league games against Sunderland, although they had to settle for a 1-1 draw in January's reverse fixture.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi will not welcome any long-term injury victims back for his Spurs debut away to Sunderland in Sunday's Premier League showdown.

The Lilywhites are still missing Dejan Kulusevski (knee), James Maddison (knee), Rodrigo Bentancur (thigh), Guglielmo Vicario (hernia), Ben Davies (ankle), Wilson Odobert (knee) and Yves Bissouma (muscle), as well as Mohammed Kudus, who has undergone World Cup-threatening surgery on a new thigh complication.

In brighter news, Pape Sarr and Mathys Tel have shaken off knocks to make themselves available again, and the latter should be considered for a spot on the right-hand side of the attack.

Top scorer Richarlison could operate on the opposite flank as he chases his 10th Premier League goal of the season, while Dominic Solanke ought to fend off Randal Kolo Muani to start in the number nine role.

Xavi Simons was never a favourite of Igor Tudor's, but the Dutchman could be given more creative licence in De Zerbi's system, so a start in the number 10 slot cannot be ruled out.

Fan favourite Archie Gray should reprise his midfield role too, potentially alongside Joao Palhinha, although Sarr, Conor Gallagher and Lucas Bergvall are all viable alternatives.

De Zerbi can at least deploy a first-choice defence, albeit in front of second-choice goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, as Vicario is not quite ready to return.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Kinsky; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Palhinha, Gray; Tel, Simons, Richarlison; Solanke

Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has confirmed that number one goalkeeper Robin Roefs is fit and raring to go for Sunday's Premier League showdown with Tottenham Hotspur at the Stadium of Light.

The Dutchman has missed the Black Cats' last three Premier League games with a hamstring injury, during which time 22-year-old deputy Melker Ellborg has done a praiseworthy job in between the posts.

However, Roefs will almost certainly return as the last line of defence on Sunday, but he will not be shielded by Daniel Ballard, who is still sidelined with a hamstring issue of his own.

As a result, Le Bris should stick with the same four-man rearguard from the 2-1 Tyne-Wear derby triumph over Newcastle United, as Luke O'Nien and Omar Alderete provide central protection while Lutsharel Geertruida and Trai Hume bomb down the flanks.

Enzo Le Fee is fit and ready again, but there may not be a spot in the team for the Frenchman just yet, as Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra are all midfield mainstays.

Neither Brian Brobbey nor Chemsdine Talbi should be sacrificed after their St James' Park strikes either, but Le Bris has a major decision to make when it comes to the final spot in attack.

Le Fee will likely have his eyes on Chris Rigg's place in the XI, but after playing the full 90 in the Tyne-Wear derby, the teenager has our backing to hold his spot.

Sunderland possible starting lineup:

Roefs; Geertruida, O'Nien, Alderete, Hume; Sadiki, Xhaka, Diarra; Rigg, Brobbey, Talbi

The third managerial era of the 2025-26 Tottenham Hotspur season is about to commence, as Roberto De Zerbi makes his second Premier League debut on Sunday, away to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

The ex-Brighton & Hove Albion boss inherits a squad still searching for their maiden top-flight win of 2026, while the Black Cats seek a third triumph in four Premier League games after stunning Tyne-Wear adversaries Newcastle United a few weeks ago.

Match preview

Only five managers in history have been in charge of a Premier League team for 50 days or fewer, but Tottenham have now been responsible for two such appointments, as Igor Tudor followed in Cristian Stellini's footsteps with an incredibly swift departure.

Just when things appeared to be looking up for the Croatian, who oversaw a gritty draw at Liverpool and praiseworthy - yet inconsequential - 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, an embarrassing 3-0 home loss to Nottingham Forest and family bereavement made his position untenable.

Rather than opt for another stop-gap appointment in Sean Dyche, Harry Redknapp or Ryan Mason, Spurs put a lucrative, five-year contract on the table for De Zerbi, who has vowed to remain in charge of the Lilywhites even if they are facing Lincoln City away next season.

The admired yet volatile Italian takes over a Spurs side who remain just one point above the Premier League relegation zone and are now without a win in 13 straight top-flight matches, although two-thirds of their 30 points have been won away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Furthermore, De Zerbi masterminded a win in his first match in charge of Marseille, Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk, and their upcoming foes have seen the Stadium of Light walls crumble over the past few weeks.

Winless on home soil since taking down Championship-bound Burnley in early February, Sunderland have succumbed to defeats to Liverpool, Fulham and De Zerbi's former club Brighton at home in recent weeks, conceding five goals and scoring just one in that time.

The Black Cats are running the risk of losing four straight home league games for the first time since September 2017 in the Championship, and their shoddy Stadium of Light sequence has contributed to their bottom-half ranking in the Premier League table, although they are still within touching distance of seventh-placed Brentford at the time of writing.

Furthermore, Sunderland's home woes counted for nought at St James' Park, where Brian Brobbey popped up with more last-minute heroics to propel Regis Le Bris's men to a famous 2-1 derby victory, one that saw the Black Cats complete the double over their Tyne-Wear foes.

The European dream is certainly not dead and buried for the home side, who are chasing back-to-back Premier League victories for just the second time this season and have lost just one of their last four games in the first division.

Le Bris also oversaw a hard-fought 1-1 draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in early January, albeit one that extended Spurs' unbeaten Premier League run against Sunderland to 15 games since a Darren Bent-inflicted 3-1 loss in 2010.

Sunderland Premier League form:

Sunderland form (all competitions):

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Team News

De Zerbi was struck by the Tottenham injury curse even before taking charge of his first game, as the club confirmed on Thursday that Mohammed Kudus had suffered a serious setback in his recovery from a quadriceps injury, one that may require World Cup-threatening surgery.

The Ghana international remains on the sidelines with Dejan Kulusevski (knee), James Maddison (knee), Rodrigo Bentancur (thigh), Guglielmo Vicario (hernia), Ben Davies (ankle), Wilson Odobert (knee) and Yves Bissouma (muscle), but Mathys Tel and Pape Sarr are expected to be available.

Chasing a slice of personal history, Richarlison is just one goal away from reaching double figures in a fifth different Premier League campaign; the only other Brazilian to achieve that feat is Liverpool great Roberto Firmino.

Meanwhile, Le Bris reported good and bad news in his pre-game press conference, revealing that number one Robin Roefs is fit again but Daniel Ballard (hamstring) is still not ready.

Second-choice goalkeeper Melker Ellborg has performed admirably in Roefs's absence, but the latter is sure to win his place back in between the posts this weekend.

Nilson Angulo (unspecified), Bertrand Traore (knee), Jocelin Ta Bi (ankle) and Romaine Mundle (hamstring) make up the remainder of the Black Cats' absentees.

Sunderland possible starting lineup:

Roefs; Geertruida, O'Nien, Alderete, Hume; Sadiki, Xhaka, Diarra; Rigg, Brobbey, Talbi

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Kinsky; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Palhinha, Gray; Tel, Simons, Richarlison; Solanke

We say: Sunderland 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Glowing reports have already emerged from De Zerbi's first training sessions, with Tottenham players purportedly waxing lyrical about the Italian's methods in these early days.

Expect to see a strong reaction from the Lilywhites on the field as a result, albeit not a strong enough reaction to translate into all three points, as a rejuvenated Sunderland side should hold out for a share of the spoils.

Mohammed Kudus has suffered a setback in his recovery from a quad injury ahead of Tottenham Hotspur's game against Sunderland.

The Londoners resume their Premier League campaign on Sunday, when they take on newly-promoted Sunderland, and the game will be crucial in their quest for survival.

Boss Roberto De Zerbi will be taking charge of his first match at Tottenham, and he will hope that the his team have benefitted from the fact they have not played a game since March 22.

However, the Italian is still dealing with a number of injuries to key players, including to the likes of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.

The club have also confirmed that attacker Kudus has suffered a setback after returning to training in the past week, and he may now require surgery depending on a specialist's review of his injury.

How many games will Mohammed Kudus miss?

Tottenham only have seven more Premier League games left to play, and their final match is set to be played on May 24 against Everton.

Should Kudus require surgical intervention, he would be ruled out for the rest of the season, and that would also put his participation at the World Cup in doubt.

Even a minor setback could prove disastrous given Spurs play three of their final seven league fixtures before the end of the month.

How will De Zerbi line up against Sunderland?

Dominic Solanke seems like a certain inclusion as a striker, while Mathys Tel may be the only natural wide player available on the weekend

Striker Richarlison could be used alongside Solanke, but trying to fit the Brazilian, Solanke and Tel in the same system could be problematic.

De Zerbi has often used a 4-2-3-1 during his managerial career, though with the current options available to him, it may make sense to use a two-striker system on Sunday.

Given Tottenham must prioritise survival above perfecting their playstyle, it could be in the manager's best interests to adapt his preferred formation to suit the players in his squad.