A Sunderland side still in contention for European qualification face improving Nottingham Forest at the Stadium of Light on Friday (20:00 BST). Both sides are looking to hold their nerve in the closing stages of the season to achieve their goals.
Can Sunderland rediscover home strength?
The Stadium of Light has been a key asset for Sunderland this season, but that advantage has waned in recent weeks. Regis le Bris' side have lost three of their past four home league games after beginning the campaign unbeaten in their first 12.
Despite the recent wobble, their overall home record remains impressive. Winning their final three home games would take Sunderland to 38 points at the Stadium of Light – the best home return by a promoted Premier League side since Ipswich Town and Charlton Athletic in 2000-01.
Defensive vulnerability is a concern, though. Sunderland have conceded four or more goals in five of their past 13 league matches, highlighting a need for greater control against opponents who tend to thrive on the counter-attack.
Rigg matching club history at 18
Chris Rigg's emergence has been one of Sunderland's standout stories this season. At 18 years and 305 days, his fine goal against Aston Villa last weekend made him just the third teenager to score in the Premier League for the club, after Michael Bridges and Connor Wickham.
Forest aiming to extend unbeaten run
Nottingham Forest remain in the relegation fight, five points clear of the bottom three. However, Vitor Pereira's side are unbeaten in seven matches (W4, D3), their longest run since a nine-game stretch between December 2024 and January 2025.
That run has eased pressure as they also look ahead to a Europa League semi-final against Aston Villa.
Their 4–1 win over Burnley last time out was particularly important, marking the first time Forest had won a Premier League match by more than two goals after conceding first.
Morgan Gibbs White remains Forest's main attacking influence. His hat-trick against Burnley made him only the third player to score a Premier League treble for the club, after Kevin Campbell and Chris Wood.
With 12 league goals this season, the Forest captain is enjoying his most productive campaign.
