Rabiu AminuThe Stadium of Light has been turned into a Fortress: Whilst the Black Cats are welcoming a tough team such as Bournemouth to the Stadium of Light this weekend, fans will take a lot of encouragement from the fact that they are still unbeaten at home this season having played six games.
This is even more impressive when considering Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have already come into town and failed to claim all three points at the Stadium of Light. With three wins and three draws at home so far this season, it gives Sunderland plenty to build on.
It’s the same for all newly-promoted sides. If you can make your home a fortress, you give an almighty boost to your chances of survival.
Sunderland have done just this so far this season. Another win against Bournemouth will continue solidifying that narrative that the Stadium of Light is a horrible place for teams to visit.
A tight affair in Sunderland: This game just does not look set up to be a goal-fest at all. It can be argued that one of Sunderland’s weaker points this season has been the fluidity of their attacking moves.
It’s not a constant things as we have seen the Black Cats turn up with some big moments this campaign, but against what is usually a stubborn Bournemouth defence, clear-cut chances may come at a premium for Regis Le Bris’ side.
A low-scoring game seems to be the most likely outcome for this encounter. However, who knows what will happen if an early goal throws a spanner in the works?
Sunderland certainly need to be at their creative best as they aim to put a cherry on top of their home form by defeating the Cherries.
Sunderland Slam Door on Bayern Munich’s Ballard Bid – Speakman Issues Hands-Off Warning
By North East Football Correspondent | November 29, 2025
Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has delivered a blunt rejection to Bayern Munich’s growing interest in centre-back Daniel Ballard, insisting the 26-year-old Northern Ireland international is “completely off the market”.
Bayern scouts have attended the Stadium of Light regularly this season, with club sources confirming that Vincent Kompany personally requested detailed reports on Ballard after his commanding displays in Sunderland’s surprise Championship title push. The German champions are seeking a long-term partner for Dayot Upamecano and see Ballard’s aerial dominance, ball-playing composure and leadership – he wears the captain’s armband in Chris Rigg’s absence – as the ideal profile.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s top-of-the-table clash with Leeds United, Speakman was unequivocal: “Daniel is fundamental to everything we’re building. We’ve had approaches – Bayern among them – and the answer is a very clear no. Not in January, not next summer, not while this project is alive. He’s contracted until 2029 with an option for another year, and we have zero intention of letting our best players leave.”
Ballard, signed from Arsenal for just £2 m in 2022, has been a revelation, contributing five goals already this season and forming a formidable partnership with Luke O’Nien. His performances have also earned a recall to Michael O’Neill’s Northern Ireland squad.When asked if any figure could tempt the club, Speakman laughed: “There isn’t a number. This isn’t about money; it’s about ambition. Daniel believes in what we’re doing – promotion this season, establishing ourselves in the Premier League next. Bayern are a giant, but Sunderland are becoming one again.”
The message from the Academy of Light is crystal clear: Daniel Ballard is staying put.
Rabiu Aminu
