Key Points
- Sunderland will face struggling Fulham at Craven Cottage in West London on Saturday.
- Fulham have accumulated just 11 points in 11 Premier League matches, while Sunderland sit fourth with 19 points.
- Despite Sunderland’s strong position, pundit Chris Sutton predicts Fulham to win.
- Sutton admits he has been proven wrong by Sunderland’s performances this season.
- Sunderland’s last win in London was against Chelsea; a back-to-back capital win would be their first since 2001.
- Chris Rigg, whose debut goal was controversially disallowed in 2023, could start for Sunderland.
- Sunderland may revert to a back four under manager Regis Le Bris for this game.
- Sunderland’s Under-21 players Leo Hjelde, Dennis Cirkin, and Romaine Mundle featured recently, with Mundle scoring.
- Three Sunderland wingers are set for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), making Mundle’s return critical.
- Romaine Mundle has returned from a hamstring injury that ruled him out this season.
- Dennis Cirkin’s future remains uncertain but his return bolsters Sunderland’s squad options.
- Fulham is one of three Premier League clubs in West London alongside Brentford and Chelsea, making the match part of the competitive West London football scene.
Who is predicting a Fulham win despite Sunderland’s strong Premier League form?
Chris Sutton, a seasoned football pundit, made the prediction ahead of Sunderland’s trip to Fulham’s home ground at Craven Cottage in West London on Saturday. In an article on BBC Sport, Sutton described Sunderland as “the surprise package of the Premier League season so far.” He acknowledged their capability to challenge opponents, citing their recent 2-1 victory over Chelsea in London. However, Sutton revealed he will continue to “go against Sunderland” in his predictions as he feels Sunderland’s strong performances are partly fueled by his own underestimations. Sutton stated,
“I really need to carry on going against Sunderland with my predictions. I am taking a lot of credit for their good results because they clearly love to prove me wrong.”
What is the recent form and table situation for Sunderland and Fulham?
According to Mackem News, Sunderland sit fourth in the Premier League with 19 points after eleven games, marking them as one of the early performers in the competition. In contrast, Fulham, managed by Marco Silva, have struggled to make headway, earning only 11 points from the same number of matches. Their difficulties this season have led to Fulham being favourites for this weekend’s game, although Sunderland’s recent form challenges that assumption.
What are the tactical changes Sunderland might make for the Fulham game?
Manager Regis Le Bris is reportedly considering switching back to the successful back four formation that brought Sunderland good results earlier in the campaign. As reported by Mackem News, Chris Rigg—famous for his first senior goal against Fulham in 2023 that was disallowed for offside—could be in the starting line-up this time. This tactical adaptation aims to consolidate Sunderland’s defence against Fulham’s attacking threats.
How significant is Sunderland’s recent away form in London?
Sunderland’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea was their first win in London this season. According to Mackem News, another win against Fulham would mark Sunderland’s first back-to-back victory in the capital since 2001, a significant milestone in their Premier League campaign. Both Chelsea and Fulham, along with hounslow/brentford/">Brentford, represent the competitive football environment of West London.
Who are the young Sunderland players making an impact recently?
Sunderland’s Under-21 players Leo Hjelde, Dennis Cirkin, and Romaine Mundle recently featured in a match, with Mundle scoring. As noted by Mackem News, this is crucial as Sunderland prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) next month, which will see three of their four main wingers depart for international duty. Mundle’s return from a hamstring injury is therefore timely and valuable. Last season, Mundle contributed five goals and two assists during his time at Tottenham’s youth setup.
What is the situation regarding Dennis Cirkin’s role and future at Sunderland?
Dennis Cirkin, also recently featured for the Under-21 squad, has returned to fitness. However, his long-term future at Sunderland remains uncertain, as reported by Mackem News. The coaching staff continues to evaluate his role in the squad going forward.
What is the broader significance of Fulham in West London football?
Fulham is one of three Premier League clubs based in West London, alongside Chelsea and Brentford, forming a strong local football rivalry in the area. According to a Wikipedia article on the West London derby, Fulham’s main Premier League rivals include Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers (QPR) as secondary rivals. The West London football scene is highly competitive, which raises the stakes for Sunderland’s visit to Craven Cottage. Matches in West London often carry additional local pride beyond league points.
What is Chris Sutton’s overall view of Sunderland’s season so far?
On BBC Sport, Sutton praised Sunderland’s unexpected rise in the Premier League, calling them “the surprise package.” He acknowledged their ability to win against strong teams like Chelsea but admitted a personal pattern of underestimating them, which has motivated Sunderland to prove him wrong repeatedly.
Why are Sunderland’s wingers heading to AFCON a major concern?
Mackem News highlighted the challenge Sunderland faces with three of their four key wingers called up for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This absence threatens Sunderland’s attacking capabilities, making the return of young talent like Romaine Mundle all the more important for squad depth and maintaining form.
How does this Sunderland-Fulham match fit into the broader Premier League and West London context?
This fixture not only tests Sunderland’s ability to sustain their impressive Premier League start but also immerses them in the intense football atmosphere of West London — home to strong Premier League sides Chelsea, Fulham, and Brentford. As such, the match represents a tough challenge for Sunderland amidst a region known for passionate local derbies and football rivalries.
