Aston Villa FC vs Sunderland AFC

Aston Villa FC welcome Sunderland AFC to their home ground for this Premier League fixture. Both teams will be eyeing this fixture as an opportunity to boost their European qualification chances.

Aston Villa FC come into this fixture enduring a difficult spell with three defeats from their last five. The hosts will be looking to turn their fortunes around in front of their home supporters. Meanwhile, Sunderland AFC have struggling for consistency in recent outings. The visitors will be aiming to build on their inconsistent run of results.

In the current standings, Aston Villa FC sit in 4th place with 54 points, while Sunderland AFC occupy in 12th place on 43 points. The hosts will be keen to protect their superior league position, while the visitors see this as an opportunity to close the gap. Aston Villa FC's superior attacking output (42 goals) gives them an edge on paper.

This fixture promises to be a competitive encounter between two evenly matched sides. European qualification ambitions add extra significance to this encounter. Both teams will be determined to claim the points in this Premier League encounter.