Sunderland prepares for Premier League match against Brentford at Gtech Community Stadium

Sunderland faces Brentford at Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday following an opening weekend loss to Ipswich. The Black Cats finished their first Premier League game with a 2-1 defeat despite maintaining a competitive performance during the match. Keith Andrews enters this fixture aiming to refine the team's approach after conceding goals due to defensive errors. The club focused on squad stability during the transfer window, retaining key players like Granit Xhaka rather than pursuing extensive personnel changes. This season also marks the club’s return to European competition for the first time in over five decades. Players including Enzo Le Fée remain central to the tactical plan as the squad works to integrate recent adjustments into their Premier League campaign.

• 10:05 AMYahoo Sports — Phil Smith, Sunderland Echo: Black Cats determined to build on successful Premier League return