Sunderland vs Fulham: Latest Team News and Predicted Lineups

Sunderland will welcome Fulham to the Stadium of Light on Sunday, 22 February, with both sides desperate for points after recent setbacks. The Black Cats surrendered their unbeaten home record to Liverpool last time out on Wearside, yet a victory today would leave Regis Le Bris’ men just one shy of the 40-point mark they have targeted for survival. Marco Silva’s Fulham arrive two places and two points behind their hosts, but on the back of three consecutive league defeats.

Team-news boosts for Sunderland begin with the return of captain Granit Xhaka, who has been sidelined for several weeks. The midfielder trained fully this week and is in contention to start. Should Xhaka slot straight back into the engine room, record signing Habib Diarra—fresh from Africa Cup of Nations duty and a heavy recent workload—could drop to the bench.

At left-back, Reinildo’s knee problem is set to keep him out for around three weeks, paving the way for Denis Cirkin to deputise. Winger Bertrand Traore remains unavailable after picking up an injury while on international duty, although he is expected to resume training within seven days. Central defender Omar Alderete should return after sitting out the FA Cup win at Oxford United with a minor foot complaint.

Fulham, meanwhile, will definitely be without Samuel Chukwueze because of a calf strain, while Saša Lukić and Tom Cairney are rated doubtful. Silva told reporters on Friday that “one of them could feature” and underlined his belief that the Cottagers can prevail on enemy territory. “We were the better side against them at the Cottage in November,” he said, referencing Fulham’s 1-0 win earlier this season, “but they are a solid side and it’s going to be tough. Our ambition is to go to a tough place and show quality.”

Predicted XIs

Sunderland (4-2-3-1): Roefs; Mukiele, Alderete, Ballard, Cirkin; Xhaka, Sadiki; Le Fee, Hume, Mundle; Brobbey. Subs: Ellborg, O’Nien, Geertruida, Isidor, Mayenda, Rigg, Talbi, Angulo, Ta Bi.

Fulham (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon; Iwobi, Berge; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin; Jimenez. Subs: Lecomte, Reed, Cairney/Lukić, Robinson, Bobb, Rodrigo, Cuenca, King, Tete.

With both managers signalling attacking intent, Sunday’s encounter promises to be an enthralling affair as Sunderland chase the magical 40-point barrier and Fulham seek to halt their slide down the table.