Sunderland will be looking for a response at the Stadium of Light after losing their opening Premier League game, while Fulham arrive looking for their first points under Álvaro Arbeloa.
Sunderland were beaten 2-1 by Ipswich Town on the opening weekend. They had 62% possession and created enough to get something from the game, but mistakes at the back proved costly.
Fulham also lost their first game, going down 3-2 at home to Chelsea. They then picked up their first win under Arbeloa on Thursday, beating AFC Wimbledon 3-0 in the Carabao Cup.
The last meeting between these sides ended with Fulham winning 3-1 at the Stadium of Light in February.
Sunderland will want a very different result this time, especially with it being their first home game of the season.
Both teams have shown enough going forward to cause problems, but both have also given opponents chances.
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What are the best picks for Sunderland vs Fulham?
Both teams to score
Perhaps this is one of the more obvious picks. But both sides have already shown they can find the net this season.
Sunderland scored against Ipswich through Nilson Angulo and created enough chances to score more. They also had 62% possession at Portman Road.
The problem came at the other end. Sunderland conceded twice, both thanks to defensive mistakes.
Fulham also found the net twice against Chelsea. Joshua King and Gonzalo García both scored, although Fulham eventually lost 3-2.
Both teams have attacking players capable of causing problems, while neither defence has looked completely settled.
Le Bris’ men should create chances at home, but Fulham have enough quality to score as well.
Sunderland draw no bet
Sunderland may have lost their opening game, but there were plenty of positives in the performance at Ipswich.
Le Bris’ side controlled large periods of the game and had more possession. They also created chances before individual mistakes cost them.
Playing at the Stadium of Light should give Sunderland another boost. Just look at their home form from last season.
The caveat to that is Fulham were the only side to take maximum points from Sunderland last season – perhaps something they will be looking to rectify this time round.
Fulham lost 3-2 to Chelsea in their opening league game and have a new manager still getting his ideas across to the squad. Their 3-0 cup win over AFC Wimbledon was a positive response, but this will be a much tougher test.
Sunderland look capable of getting their first points of the season.
Taking the draw out of the equation also gives us some protection if Fulham manage to hold them to a point.
Enzo Le Fée to score or assist
Enzo Le Fée is one of the Sunderland players who could make a difference in this game.
The midfielder was heavily involved against Ipswich and should have more opportunities to influence the game with Sunderland playing at home.
His ability to carry the ball through midfield can also help Sunderland break through Fulham’s defensive shape.
Sunderland are likely to see plenty of possession again, which should give Le Fée chances to create opportunities for the forwards.
Anything positive in the final third for the Black Cats always seems to involve the Frenchman.
He is also Sunderland’s penalty taker if the opportunity arises.
Where can I watch Sunderland vs Fulham?
Sunderland vs Fulham kicks off at 2:00 PM BST on Sunday, August 30 at the Stadium of Light.
The game will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports+.
For viewers in the United States, the match kicks off at 9:00 AM ET and will be available on NBC and Peacock.
What have the managers said?
Régis Le Bris:
Le Bris knows Sunderland need to improve after the defeat at Ipswich, but he has also been encouraged by the way his side can control games.
“We dominated the ball and had lots of possession, but we weren’t clinical enough with the end product.”
Álvaro Arbeloa:
Arbeloa knows Sunday’s game will be difficult, especially with Sunderland playing at home.
“It will be a difficult game against a European team. We need to play with the same character and mentality as we do at home but it won’t be so easy.”
The Fulham boss also wants his side to keep the same attitude away from home that they showed at Craven Cottage.
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What is Sunderland’s predicted team?
(4-2-3-1) Roefs – Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo – Xhaka, Sadiki – Hume, Le Fee, Angulo – Brobbey.
Injured: Adingra.
Suspended: Methalie.
What is Fulham’s predicted team?
(4-2-3-1) Leno – Castagne, Bassey, Cuenca, Robinson – Berge, Iwobi – Bobb, King, Palacios – Garcia.
Injured: Cairney.
Score prediction: Sunderland 1-1 Fulham
Sunderland will be disappointed with the result at Ipswich, but there were enough positives in that performance to suggest they can still compete in this league – despite what the pundits tell you.
Fulham also have attacking players who can cause problems, but Arbeloa is still working out his best team.
Both sides have already conceded two or more goals this season, while both have shown they can score.
Sunderland should make good use of home advantage, but Fulham have enough quality to take a point.
Keep an eye on our Sunderland betting tips and match previews and Fulham betting tips throughout the season.
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