Where Are Sunderland’s Craven Cottage Squad Ahead of Fulham Clash?

Key Points

• Sunderland and Fulham’s first Premier League league meeting since April 2018 is upcoming after the international break.
• The last meeting at Craven Cottage was in February 2023, an FA Cup tie drawing 1-1 before Sunderland lost the replay 3-2 at home.
• Sunderland’s squad has seen significant changes since that match under manager Tony Mowbray.
• Several players from that Sunderland squad remain key figures, while others have moved on to different clubs.
• Sunderland look to build on a strong Premier League start this season, with notable performances by some holdovers and new signings.

What is the upcoming fixture between Sunderland and Fulham?

As reported by Sunderland Echo, Sunderland are set to travel to Fulham following the international break to continue their strong Premier League start. This fixture marks their first league meeting since April 2018. The two sides last met in the 2023 FA Cup, with the initial match on the banks of the Thames at Craven Cottage ending 1-1, followed by Sunderland’s 3-2 home defeat in the replay.

How has Sunderland’s squad changed since their last game at Craven Cottage?

According to journalist Ben Salmon of Sunderland Echo, the squad that Sunderland fielded at Craven Cottage in early 2023 has undergone considerable change since that time under then-manager Tony Mowbray. A number of players have either left or seen their roles diminished, while others have become mainstays or new signings have established themselves.

Who remains in Sunderland’s squad from that game and what roles do they play now?

• Anthony Patterson (Goalkeeper): Patterson remains with Sunderland and played a pivotal role in their promotion last season. However, Dutch goalkeeper Robin Roefs has since taken over as first choice, with Patterson featuring only once this season in the EFL Cup against Huddersfield Town.
• Trai Hume (Right-back): Hume continues as Sunderland’s first-choice right-back, accumulating 143 appearances across all competitions. He has adapted well to Premier League football.
• Dan Ballard (Centre-back): Ballard is still a regular starter, featuring in six Premier League games this season. He scored two league goals since promotion, including the notable late playoff semifinal goal against Coventry last season.
• Dennis Agyemang-Batth (Former Centre-back): Batth left Sunderland for Norwich eight months after the Craven Cottage match. He went on to play for Blackburn Rovers before joining Derby County this summer, making six appearances for the Rams.
• Josh Ailese (Defender): Alese remains at Sunderland but has not made a senior appearance since January due to injury. He faces competition for left-back from new signings Reinildo and Arthur Masuaku and a strong centre-back contingent.
• Dan Neil (Central midfield): Neil was influential in the Championship but has only made two substitute appearances in the Premier League this season. His departure in January seems likely.
• Eliesse Michut (Central midfield): Michut never settled into Sunderland’s starting lineup and after a loan spell at Adana Demirspor, he moved permanently there before joining Fortuna Sittard in the Eredivisie.
• Will Roberts (Midfield): Roberts was a key creative player last season, delivering eight assists in 48 games. This season, after limited playtime, he went on loan to Birmingham City.
• Amad Diallo (Left wing): Diallo was sensational for Sunderland in 2022/23 but returned to Manchester United after his loan. He has since been a significant player for United, scoring 11 goals and providing eight assists last season, although his current form has dipped due to being played out of position.
• Jack Clarke (Left wing): Clarke impressed Sunderland with 11 goals and 13 assists before moving to Ipswich Town. Ipswich’s relegation and Clarke’s lack of Premier League goals have been setbacks. He currently has six goals in 15 Championship games.
• Ross Stewart (Striker): Stewart left for Southampton after Sunderland’s promotion campaign but has struggled with injuries, appearing just 27 times and scoring three goals.

How have transfers affected Sunderland’s defensive line since the last Craven Cottage fixture?

Dennis Batth’s departure to Norwich, followed by spells at Blackburn and Derby County, illustrates Sunderland’s defensive turnover. Meanwhile, Josh Alese’s injury and competition from newer signings such as Reinildo and Arthur Masuaku pose challenges for his return. Sunderland have retained Dan Ballard and Trai Hume, who continue to be defensive mainstays.

What has been the impact of midfield personnel shifts on Sunderland’s current form?

Midfielders Dan Neil, Eliesse Michut, and Will Roberts highlight Sunderland’s midfield transitions. Neil’s limited Premier League time points towards a January transfer, Michut has moved on internationally after failing to secure a spot, and Roberts is currently on loan at Birmingham City to gain regular football. These changes reflect Sunderland’s attempts to balance the squad in their Premier League return.

What is the current status of Sunderland’s attacking players from the last Craven Cottage match?

Amad Diallo has established himself at Manchester United after his loan spell ended, while Ross Stewart’s move to Southampton has been marred by injury. Jack Clarke, once a prolific winger for Sunderland, is now with Ipswich Town but experiencing a difficult period following their relegation. Sunderland have lost several key attacking contributors but others are emerging in their Premier League campaign.

What does the return fixture mean for Sunderland’s season ambitions?

This match against Fulham represents a significant challenge as Sunderland look to maintain momentum in the Premier League. Their evolving squad, blending remaining players from the last Craven Cottage line-up with new talents, faces a tough test at a venue known for hostile atmospheres. How the team performs could influence Sunderland’s survival and progression in the top-flight this season.