Sunderland host goal-shy Villa as Villa chase first Premier League win

Sunderland will look to extend a bright return to the Premier League when they host goal-shy Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, kick-off 14:00 BST. The newly promoted Black Cats have taken seven points from four matches and have won both of their home games this season, while Unai Emery's Villans remain without a league goal after four fixtures and are still searching for a first Premier League win.

Sunderland's encouraging start has been built on a solid home record and tight defending. The club sit as high as seventh in the table after victories over West Ham and Brentford and a goalless draw at Crystal Palace last weekend. New goalkeeper Robin Roefs has been singled out for his early-season form, helping the team keep two clean sheets in four league games. Statistical measures cited in match previews show Sunderland have converted five goals from just nine shots on target, a conversion rate bettered only by Arsenal so far.

Aston Villa's problems have been more pronounced. They have accumulated just two points from four matches and exited the EFL Cup at Brentford in midweek. The club have not scored in the league through four games, leaving them on the brink of an...