Sunderland's unlikely Champions League charge will continue on Saturday when they travel to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham in their 12th Premier League game of the season.
Sitting in 15th place with 11 points, the Cottagers' regression this term has put them at risk of relegation, whereas fourth-placed Sunderland have 19 points following their impressive 2-2 draw with Arsenal on November 8.
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Fulham vs Sunderland prediction: Contrasting seasons
Key stats
- Fulham have kept just two clean sheets in their last 20 Premier League games.
- Sunderland have scored seven goals in their last four league matches, as many as they had in their first seven.
- Fulham have collected 10 of their 11 points this campaign at Craven Cottage.
Correct score prediction: Fulham 1-2 Sunderland
Fulham have found Craven Cottage to be somewhat of a safe haven, but it is difficult to overlook their poor form this season.
Sunderland will be hoping to make the most of their improved productivity in the final third, as well as their hosts' defensive weaknesses, so perhaps they will claim victory in London on the weekend.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Fulham predicted to win by the bookmakers
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- HOME: 11/10 (2.1) – 47.6%%
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- DRAW: 9/4 (3.25) – 30.8%
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- AWAY: 13/5 (3.6) – 27.8%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Fulham are the expected winner of this clash, with a probability of 47.6%, though the bookmakers would not be surprised if Saturday's clash saw the spoils shared.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Fulham on top in recent clashes
Fulham have not faced Sunderland since 2023, but they are unbeaten in three matches against the visitors, winning two of those contests but only by one-goal margins.
The Black Cats did get the better of Fulham in three of their prior four meetings while also avoiding defeat, though their last win came in December 2017.
England FA Cup 08/02/23
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England FA Cup 28/01/23
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Sunderland
England Championship 27/04/18
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Sunderland
England Championship 16/12/17
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England FA Cup 03/02/15
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Fulham preview: Reason for optimism ahead of the weekend?
Fulham boss Marco Silva has lost five and won one of his last six Premier League games in charge, but it should be noted that he has guided his side to four wins, one draw and just one loss in their six home fixtures in the top flight.
Midfielder Sasa Lukic will play no part on Saturday due to his suspension for accumulating five yellow cards, so perhaps Alex Iwobi will be moved into his side's double pivot next to Sander Berge.
Predicted lineup: Leno (GK), Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon, Iwobi, Berge, Wilson, King, Kevin & Jimenez
Last five results:
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- Everton 2-0 Fulham
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- Fulham 3-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
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- Wycombe Wanderers 1-1 Fulham
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- Newcastle United 2-1 Fulham
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- Fulham 0-1 Arsenal
Sunderland preview: Close to safety already?
While Champions League football might seem like an unlikely goal, it should not go unnoticed that Regis Le Bris's side already have 19 points, just seven shy of the total that would have secured Premier League safety in 2024-25.
Captain Granit Xhaka has arguably been the signing of the season, and he is certain to be selected in midfield, while Noah Sadiki could partner him.
Predicted lineup: Roefs (GK), Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Geertruida, Reinildo, Xhaka, Sadiki, Traore, Isidor & Le Fee
Last five results:
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- Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal
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- Sunderland 1-1 Everton
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- Chelsea 1-2 Sunderland
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- Sunderland 2-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
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- Manchester United 2-0 Sunderland
Player to watch: Nordi Mukiele
With Sunderland playing away from home, they will need to showcase their defensive resilience, and centre-back Nordi Mukiele will be key to their hopes of victory.
The defender has won the most tackles (16) and made the most clearances (62) of any player in the Sunderland squad, and he will have to be at his best on the weekend.