Both teams have displayed a consistent trend toward low-scoring encounters in recent weeks. Sunderland have seen under 2.5 goals in four of their last five matches, keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 cup win over AZ Alkmaar while failing to score in recent 2-0 losses to Arsenal and Brighton. Their attacking sharpness is further compromised by the absence of B. Brobbey and W. Isidor.
Torreense have also had difficulty generating consistent scoring opportunities, being held scoreless in three of their past five fixtures across all competitions. The suspension of N. Jatta limits their options in attack, while Sunderland's extensive defensive and midfield injury list is likely to prompt a more disciplined, containment-minded setup on the road. The available evidence strongly supports a low-scoring match that stays below the 2.5-goal mark.

