Sunderland last won away in the Premier League in late October, four months ago.
Still, a good home performance and a strong start to their return to the top flight have kept Regis Le Bris’ side a little above the relegation zone, but there is no doubt that a continuation of their dismal run in recent weeks could change the narrative for the newly promoted side.
However, with a series of ostensibly favorable fixtures in the Premier League, the Black Cats will need to take advantage of that and get past that precious 40-point mark to secure another season at the top of the table.
Sunderland’s upcoming Premier League fixtures | ||
|---|---|---|
date | they will object | corresponding result |
28/02/26 | Bournemouth (A) | 3-2 victory |
03/03/26 | Leeds (A) | 1-1 draw |
14/03/26 | Brighton (H) | 0-0 draw |
22/03/26 | Newcastle (A) | 1-0 victory |
11/04/26 | Tottenham (H) | 1-1 draw |
18/04/26 | Aston Villa (A) | 1-1 draw |
However, hopes and aspirations for success may be dashed by injury or lack of luck.
Last weekend’s defeat to Fulham at the Stadium of Light was the epitome of a wasteful finish, with a somber result that was made worse by an injury to main frontman Brian Brobbey.
Blobby fitness updates
Brobby, 24, has been a real nuisance for Sunderland this season.
Take, for example, the recent defeat against Liverpool at the Stadium of Light. Blobby didn’t enjoy the best of times, but he still accepted the physical challenge against Ibrahima Konate and the final three matches were a battleground.
That presence is something that no other club in the Premier League can boast of. The Dutchman’s hold-up play is crucial to Le Bris’ attacking system and although the French manager was reluctant to claim the severity of the injury, he admitted he was concerned.
Sunderland are unlikely to be in danger of being relegated, but with four defeats in five games in the top flight, there is no doubt that a change of form will put everyone on Wearside’s stomachs at ease and ensure that their strong efforts this season are not wasted.
Brobby has scored five goals in 22 Premier League games this season, but his work rate says more about his importance than his goals.
If he is out for a while, North will need to make a suitable card to replace him.
Sunderland’s ‘machine’ to replace Blobby
Wilson Isidore was one of the driving forces behind Sunderland’s promotion last season. Described by Sky Sports reporter Dougie Critchley as a “one-man machine”, the Frenchman is powerful and a nuisance for defenders. Last season, his role was important.
However, he has not enjoyed a talismanic role in the Premier League, instead being part of Le Bris’ supporting cast. However, the stage has been set for success for months and he has already shown the ability to be a strong line leader in the Premier League.
Isidore has been playing second fiddle this season, but is a capable striker with the strength and underrated skill to step into Blobby’s boots if he really gets sidelined.
Given Sunderland’s looming run of fixtures, there is no doubt that Le Brice will not emerge with just a few points, with some tense fixtures coming up in May, but Isidore could still be key and could step up and take charge when the team needs him, as he did last year.
He has started 11 games in the Premier League, scoring four goals, but has only missed two big chances. Sunderland’s recent profligacy could be reversed with Isidore returning to form, but his wide-ranging play clearly leaves some to be desired.
But that’s why he’s not the designated No. 1. Still, Isidore showed he had what it took. He was mobile and ferocious at No. 9 in last season’s Championship, creating nine big chances.
Le Bliss has created something special at Sunderland. The team is better than the sum of its parts, and while Isidore is not the best centre-forward in England, he knows how to perform in this system and could be the perfect weapon to feature in the next few games, even if Blobby is sidelined.
Worse than Blobby: Le Bliss must offload Sunderland star who lost 89% against Fulham
Regis Le Bris has to unload this Sunderland flop who was worse than Brian Brobbey against Fulham.

