Sunderland vs Hull City Carabao Cup: Live Stream, TV & Kick-off

How to Watch Sunderland vs Hull City in Carabao Cup Action

Premier League outfit Sunderland welcome Championship side Hull City to the Stadium of Light this evening for a Carabao Cup third-round tie. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:45 BST, and supporters can watch the match live on Sky Sports in the UK. Alternatively, a live stream is available via the Sky Go app or Now TV for those with a subscription. Hull City fans travelling to the north-east should note that the away end is sold out, with around 3,000 Tigers supporters expected to make the journey.

Recent Form and Cup Pedigree

Sunderland enter the contest after a mixed start to their Premier League campaign, having won one, drawn two, and lost two of their opening five league fixtures. Their most recent outing saw them claim a credible 1-1 draw at Burnley, a result which kept them just above the relegation zone on four points. In the previous round of the Carabao Cup, they edged past League One side Crewe Alexandra on penalties after a goalless draw, showing resilience if not fluency.

Hull City, meanwhile, have been in encouraging form in the Championship, taking seven points from their last three league games. That run includes back-to-back victories over Bristol City and Sheffield Wednesday, either side of a 2-2 draw with Preston. The Tigers currently sit 12th in the second-tier table, but their recent upturn has lifted spirits after a sluggish start. Manager Tim Walter has rotated his side in cup competitions, but may field a stronger lineup given the momentum his players are carrying.

Historically, this fixture has produced tight encounters, with Sunderland winning the last meeting 2-1 in the Championship back in 2022. Hull have not beaten Sunderland since 2016, when they triumphed 3-0 at the KCOM Stadium. In cup competitions, the clubs have met only twice, with each winning one tie, both at the Stadium of Light.

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray is expected to make several changes, with one eye on Saturday's Premier League trip to Manchester United. Goalkeeper Nathan Patterson, who has been sidelined with a knee injury, remains out, while midfielder Dan Neill is doubtful with a calf issue. Summer signing Jobe Bellingham, who has impressed in patches, may start in advanced midfield alongside Patrick Roberts and Jack Clarke.

Hull City, on the other hand, have no fresh injury concerns but must navigate the fixture without the rested goalkeeper Ivor Pandur, who is cup-tied having played in the earlier rounds for his previous club. Manager Walter is likely to hand a full debut to deadline-day signing Robinio Vaz, who has been catching the eye in training. The Portuguese forward, signed from an unnamed club, could partner Oscar Estupinan in attack.

Predicted Sunderland XI: O'Nien; Clarke, Ballard, McFadzean, Cirkin; Ekwah, Rigg; Roberts, Bellingham, Burstow; Mayenda. Predicted Hull City XI: Allsop; Coyle, Jones, Christie, Greaves; Zamburek, Morton; Tufan, Emakhu, Philogene; Vaz.

Key Battles and Tactical Matchup

Sunderland will likely dominate possession, with 54% of the ball on average in league matches this season. Their high-pressing game in the middle third has generated turnovers that lead directly to chances, a trait Mowbray has cultivated. However, they have been vulnerable to set pieces, conceding four goals from dead-ball situations in the Premier League.

Hull, by contrast, have adopted a more direct style under Walter, with an emphasis on wide deliveries and second balls. They have scored eight headed goals in the Championship, a clear threat from corners and crosses. Their left back, Jacob Greaves, is key from both open play and dead-ball situations, having contributed two assists and a goal already this term.

The tie could hinge on the battle between Sunderland's experienced centre-back Danny Ballard and Hull's physical striker Oscar Estupinan, who has won 20 aerial duels in his last five outings. If Ballard can nullify Estupinan, Sunderland's defence should hold, but any lapses could be punished by the in-form Vaz, who netted three goals in four starts for his previous loan club.

Sunderland have scored in 8 of their last 10 home cup ties.
Hull City have lost their last four away games against Premier League opposition.
The team winning the second half has won six of the last eight meetings between these two.
Sunderland's Patrick Clarke has been booked in three consecutive matches, a disciplinary risk.

How to Watch and Broadcast Information

In the UK, the match is available on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football, with coverage beginning at 19:00 BST. Streaming is accessible via Sky Go for existing subscribers, or through NOW TV on a day pass. For international viewers, broadcasters vary: in the United States, ESPN+ has rights to the Carabao Cup, while in Australia, beIN Sports will show the match. A full list of broadcasters can be found on the competition's official website.

Radio commentary will be provided on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, and live text updates will be available on BBC Sport's website. Fans can also follow official club social media channels for team news and goal alerts. Match officials have not yet been announced, but the fourth official will manage any VAR checks if the tie goes to penalties again.

What's at Stake

For Sunderland, a win would secure their place in the fourth round draw and provide a boost after a stuttering start in the Premier League. For Hull, victory would represent their first third-round win since 2018 and continue their recent resurgence under Walter. The carrot of a lucrative tie against a top-six side in the next round adds extra incentive for both managers to approach this game with intent.

Kick-off is at 19:45 BST, and all eyes will be on the Stadium of Light to see which side progresses.