Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
Fulham would like to be in Sunderland's fourth place and to have everyone speaking enthusiastically about them, but at the moment they are only 15th, a point above the relegation zone. They could potentially end up there already after this round.
Fulham
In the 2024/25 season Fulham were progressing at a pace similar to Sunderland's current one: 18 points and seventh place in the standings over the same stretch. Where has all that gone? Throughout last season the team were very competitive away from home (eighth place). Now that has disappeared completely: just one point in six matches and a goal difference of -9. At least at Craven Cottage Fulham are still able to collect points — three wins in five games and only one defeat, to Arsenal (0:1). As for Arsenal, a similar fate is likely to await most opponents.
Sunderland
Most teams have not yet learnt how to defend against Sunderland well enough to avoid dropping points. Only two fortunate sides have beaten them; oddly enough, they are Burnley and Manchester United (both 2:0). In all other matches the visitors have denied their opponents positive emotions. The most recent victims were Arsenal, who had not conceded for eight matches but here failed to keep out two. Moreover, Arsenal suffered the decisive blow in the 94th minute.
Fulham vs Sunderland Prediction
Despite the results Sunderland have already produced, the bookmakers believe in their win even less than in a draw. But if they have taken points in 9 of their 11 matches, their secret has clearly not yet been fully figured out. Why should Fulham be the ones to do it? Our prediction is that the visitors will at least avoid defeat.
