Sunderland aims to break their Friday night hoodoo in front of a home crowd against Nottingham Forest. The match will take place at the Stadium of Light on April 24, 2026, with kick-off at 3pm ET.
Nottingham Forest comes into this game needing just one win to secure their Premier League status for next season. They currently sit in a precarious position, fighting off relegation threats. Sunderland, however, achieved their goal weeks ago, securing a second consecutive season in the top flight after years in lower divisions.
Sunderland’s recent form shows promise. They have two wins and three draws in their last five matches, maintaining an unbeaten streak. In contrast, Nottingham Forest has three wins and two losses over the same period.
Despite their current form, Sunderland has never won a Premier League game on a Friday. They have managed only two draws and one defeat across three attempts. This historical context adds pressure as they face Nottingham Forest.
In terms of squad news, Sunderland’s predicted lineup includes Roefs, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Hume, Xhaka, Sadiki, Diarra, Rigg, Le Fee, and Brobbey. Their only confirmed absentees are Simon Moore and Romaine Mundle.
Nottingham Forest will miss winger Callum Hudson-Odoi for the rest of the season. His absence could impact their attacking options significantly—Forest already struggled to create enough scoring chances before his injury.
Sunderland currently sits 11th in the Premier League with 46 points. Remarkably, they could be just one point off sixth place if they beat Nottingham Forest. This scenario highlights the stakes involved for both teams.
Nottingham Forest has struggled against Sunderland historically; the latter has won six of their last seven encounters. This trend adds pressure on Forest as they seek to avoid relegation while Sunderland aims for a strong finish.
The match promises to be intense as both teams have much to gain or lose. Fans will be eager to see if Sunderland can finally claim that elusive Friday victory and secure their place in mid-table stability.
As the match approaches, uncertainties linger around both teams’ performances and strategies. Fans anticipate how each side will adapt under pressure and what impact injuries may have on the outcome.