(Credit: Imago)

Cameron Smith

Sat 18 April 2026 12:00, UK

Aston Villa are back in action in the Premier League on Sunday, as they take on Sunderland.

The Villans hammered Bologna on Thursday, with goals from Ollie Watkins, Emi Buendia, Morgan Rogers and Ezri Konsa securing a comfortable passage to the Europa League semi-finals.

Last time out in the league, Unai Emery’s side played out a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest, after a fantastic Neco Williams strike levelled the scores after Villa took the lead through a Murillo own goal.

Looking ahead, the B6 outfit will face the Garibaldi again soon, with the sides locking horns for a spot in the Europa League final.

Before then, though, they will be aiming to carry their European momentum into the league, with Emery’s side welcoming Sunderland to Villa Park.

How to watch Aston Villa vs Sunderland

After a poor run throughout February and early March, Villa got back to winning ways on the eve of the recent international break, beating West Ham 2-0 on home soil.

Back on home soil for the first time in the league since that day, they face a Sunderland side who have settled back into top-flight life perfectly since their ascent last May.

Fans not in attendance at Villa Park on Sunday will be able to catch the action via Sky Sports Premier League, with the match taking place at the same time as the Merseyside derby and Nottingham Forest vs Burnley.

Those on the move will be able to tune in via the Sky Go app or the Sky Sports website in the UK, while BBC Radio WM will provide their usual live coverage of the clash.

Aston Villa have one big advantage ahead of Sunderland visit

Promoted with the last kick of the ball in last year’s playoff final, Sunderland shocked the nation when they secured their return to the top-flight.

Over the summer, the Wearsiders recruited incredibly well, with the experience of Granit Xhaka, Nordi Mukiele, Reinildo and more adding to the youthful exuberance of Chemsdine Talbi, Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra.

Since then, they have settled down perfectly in the Premier League and are looking to mount a European challenge. Though just four of their 12 wins have come away from home.

While the Black Cats have turned the Stadium of Light into a fortress, they have struggled on the road.

On the other side of the fence, Villa have continued to shine at Villa Park, as has been the case since Emery’s arrival in 2022.

With momentum on their side, the Villans should have it all in their locker to keep up their Champions League push against Sunderland, while keeping up the momentum for the run-in across both the league and Europe.