Sunderland
Hull City
>Sunderland vs Hull City Predictions, Picks & Odds – 08/09/2026
Carabao Cup · 3rd RoundSunderland vs Hull City – Best bets of the match
Sunderland vs Hull City Preview
Sunderland's start to the Premier League campaign has been a mixed bag, with two draws, a win, and a loss from their opening fixtures. Régis Le Bris faces a genuine balancing act here, juggling domestic cup ambitions alongside an upcoming Europa League schedule. Heavy rotation is expected at the Stadium of Light, with as many as nine or ten changes likely. Deadline-day arrival Malick Fofana could be handed his first start in red and white.
Hull City have been the early-season story of the Premier League, sitting second and still unbeaten after two wins and a draw. Remarkably, Sergei Yakirovich's side have not conceded a single goal in league play. The Carabao Cup, however, will see a very different lineup, as the manager has confirmed fringe players will get valuable minutes. New signing Sorba Thomas is expected to make his full debut alongside fellow summer arrivals Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Lucas Herrington.
Sunderland's home record at the Stadium of Light gives them a genuine edge in this Carabao Cup third-round clash. Historically, the Black Cats hold a commanding head-to-head advantage with 13 wins from 27 meetings against Hull City. The home win at 1.73 reflects that superiority, and despite expected squad rotation from Régis Le Bris, the depth available should be sufficient to control proceedings.
Hull City arrive unbeaten and with a remarkable defensive record of zero goals conceded in the league so far. Sergei Yakirovich has openly stated he will field fringe players, which could disrupt the Tigers' rhythm. That rotation factor weakens their case considerably, making the under 2.5 goals market at 1.84 worth close attention given both sides will field unfamiliar line-ups.
A Sunderland victory looks the likeliest outcome here. New signing Malick Fofana could provide fresh impetus on his potential first start, while Hull's experimental selection limits their threat. The home side's historical dominance and Stadium of Light advantage tip the balance. Backing the hosts at 1.73 is the primary recommendation. Odds correct at time of publication.
Trends to Know about Sunderland vs Hull City
- Sunderland lead H2H with 13 wins
- Hull unbeaten and zero goals conceded
- Both managers set for heavy rotation
Form & Statistics: Sunderland vs Hull City
Sunderland
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Hull City
Recent form
Season statistics (4)
Lineups: Sunderland vs Hull City
Sunderland
Starters
- 1 Anthony Patterson
- 2 Trai Hume
- 3 Omar Alderete
- 4 Daniel Ballard
- 5 Leo Fuhr Hjelde
- 6 Chris Rigg
- 7 Abdoullah Ba
- 8 Malick Fofana
- 9 Nilson Angulo
- 10 Wilson Isidor
- 11 Luís Hemir Silva Semedo
Bench
- Melker Ellborg
- Jenson Seelt
- Luke O'Nien
- Enzo Le Fée
- Juan Riquelme Angulo Caicedo
- Brian Brobbey
- Ahmed Abdullahi
Absent
- Habib Diarra (injury)
- Alan Browne (injury)
- Romaine Mundle (injury)
- Aji Alese (injury)
- Simon Adingra (Injury)
Hull City
Starters
- 1 Karl Tzolakis
- 2 Brooke Norton-Cuffy
- 3 John Egan
- 4 Semi Ajayi
- 5 Ryan Giles
- 6 L. Gourna-Douath
- 7 Regan Slater
- 8 Elliot Stroud
- 9 Sorba Thomas
- 10 Oli McBurnie
- 11 M. Belloumi
Bench
- Nathan Baxter
- Jacob Greaves
- Lewie Coyle
- Matt Crooks
- Lucas Herrington
- Adama Traore
Absent
- Eliot Matazo (injury)
- Darko Gyabi (injury)
- Joe Gelhardt (injury)
- Jack Butland (Elbow injury (long-term after operation))
- Óscar Zambrano (Thigh injury (out for at least a month))
- Charlie Hughes (Groin injury (mid-September 2026 return target))
Low confidence
Both lineups carry a speculative tag here, drawn from rotation hints rather than confirmed team sheets, so treat the formations with appropriate caution. That said, Sunderland's anticipated 4-2-3-1 against Hull City's 4-3-3 sets up a compact midfield battle, with Chris Rigg likely the creative pivot the home side build through.
For Hull, the 4-3-3 shape asks their wide forwards to press high and stretch Sunderland's defensive block. Oli McBurnie leads the line as the focal point, but with both XIs still speculative, managers could yet spring changes before kickoff.
Sunderland vs Hull City: Head-to-Head
Average statistics (recent meetings)
How to Watch Sunderland vs Hull City Match?
What time is Sunderland vs Hull City?
Sunderland host Hull City at the Stadium of Light on 8 September 2026, with kickoff at 19:45 BST.
Where is Sunderland vs Hull City being played?
This Carabao Cup third-round tie takes place at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland.
How Can I Watch Sunderland vs Hull City on TV and Live Stream?
This match is available to watch on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom and Ireland.