U21S PREVIEW: SUNDERLAND V BURNLEY

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Young Clarets head north for Premier League Cup final

2026-05-12T12:35:53.546Z

U21S PREVIEW: SUNDERLAND V BURNLEY

Young Clarets head north for Premier League Cup final

2026-05-12T12:35:53.546Z

Young Clarets head north for Premier League Cup final

Burnley U21s are aiming for silverware on Thursday night, with Sunderland providing the opposition in the final of the Premier League Cup.

The young Clarets have already improved on last season’s performance, in which they were beaten at the semi-final stage, and will be keen to go for glory here.

It’s been a while since Andy Farrell’s team’s last outing, which was against West Bromwich Albion in this competition on Monday 13th April.

After a goalless first half, Ellis Clark broke the deadlock with a fantastic finish from the edge of the area.

Vernon Masara then made no mistake from a one-on-one position to make it 2-0, but the Baggies quickly reduced their arrears through Alfie Maughan.

The Clarets defended resiliently for the remaining minutes though, setting up this trip to the Stadium of Light.

Clarets book place in Premier League Cup final

Sunderland finished 15th in the 29-team Premier League 2 table, claiming eight wins and four draws from their 20 matches.

That position qualified them for the end-of-season play-offs, in which they lost 3-2 to Manchester United at the Round of 16 stage.

Felix Scott and Jack Whittaker were on target at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday 26th April, and the Black Cats haven’t been in action since.

Sunderland’s Premier League Cup semi-final was an eventful one in which they got the better of Blackburn Rovers at Stadium of Light.

Five of the six goals came inside a breathless opening 37 minutes, and Whittaker was on target to complete the 4-2 scoreline 16 minutes from time.

Former defender Graeme Murty, who enjoyed a 17-year playing career, is the man in the Sunderland dugout.

U21S PREVIEW: SUNDERLAND V BURNLEY - Image 2

These two teams met earlier this season at the County Ground in Leyland, and it was Sunderland who claimed the three league points.

The Black Cats scored three unanswered goals in the first half that night, two of which came from the boots of Timur Tutierov.

Supporters are welcome to get behind Farrell and his players in person, with tickets on sale via Sunderland’s website HERE.

Adults are priced at £3, while over 65s and those aged 22 or under can gain entry for £1.

If you can’t be at Stadium of Light, you will be able to follow the action live on Clarets+ and/or X - @ClaretsAcademy.

Be sure to follow our Academy dedicated social media channels for live updates too, and a match report will be shared on www.burnleyfootballclub.com after the final whistle.