Granit Xhaka believes Sunderland need to stay humble after reaching their main Premier League target of 40 points this season.

The Black Cats defeated Leeds United 1-0 in their last league match, seeing them hit the points milestone that is often considered the threshold to avoid relegation.

Sunderland are 12 points clear of the drop zone with nine games to go, while they are just four points off the European places, which could drop down lower than the top seven depending on the outcome of the FA Cup and continental competitions.

Regis Le Bris' side, who were knocked out of the FA Cup by third-tier Port Vale last week, host Brighton on Saturday, and Sunderland captain Xhaka has urged his side not to get ahead of themselves for the remainder of the season.

"We need to stay humble, we know where we’ve come from," said the Switzerland international.

"Our target was 40 points. When you achieve the first one, you want more.

"In this team, we feel that we have the hunger to want more this year. We are taking it game-by-game, so let’s see where we get to next."

Brighton's European ambitions took a blow after their 1-0 defeat to league leaders Arsenal last time out.

Fabian Hurzeler was critical of the Gunners' style of play, though the Brighton boss did have something to smile about as Jack Hinshelwood's new contract was announced.

The 20-year-old has extended his deal with Brighton until June 2029, having scored nine goals and provided six assists in 70 first-team appearances.

"I am delighted we have secured Jack’s future here. He has a very bright future ahead of him, and continues to grow and develop all the time," said Hurzeler.

"Jack is the ideal role model for our academy players and is a fantastic reflection of the hard work the academy staff have put in with him over his time here.

"After making his breakthrough at such a young age, he was already fully integrated into the first team when I arrived and he is growing into a leader in the dressing room.

"We are delighted he has signed this new, longer contract with the club."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Sunderland – Dan Ballard

Centre-back Ballard has had more touches in the opposition box than any other Sunderland player in the Premier League this season (64).

Across the whole division, the only defender with more this term is Arsenal's Jurrien Timber (90).

Brighton – Yankuba Minteh

Only Jeremy Doku (63) has made more ball carries into the penalty area than Brighton’s Minteh in the Premier League this season (61).

Minteh has scored one goal and provided four assists in the English top-flight for the Seagulls in 2025-26.

MATCH PREDICTION: BRIGHTON WIN

Sunderland are hosting Brighton in a league match for the first time since October 2004 (a 2-0 win in the Championship), and for the first time in the top-flight since a 1-1 draw in April 1983.

Brighton are unbeaten in their last 11 Premier League games against promoted sides (W5 D6), keeping a clean sheet in five of their last six.

However, Sunderland have won their last five home league games against Brighton, and are unbeaten in nine against them (W7 D2) since a 2-1 loss in April 1981.

Sunderland have lost their last two Premier League home games, having been unbeaten in their first 12 this season (W7 D5). They last lost three in a row at home in the competition in August-September 2016.

Since losing 4-3 to Aston Villa at the start of December, Brighton have neither scored nor conceded more than twice in any of their 15 Premier League games.

Indeed, the Seagulls’ games have seen fewer goals than any other side in this time (30 – F14 A16).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Sunderland – 31.8%

Draw – 25.3%

Brighton – 42.9%