Fulham vs Sunderland: Preview, Prediction & Lineups

Fulham vs Sunderland — Match Preview

The Premier League returns to Craven Cottage this Saturday as Fulham host the season’s surprise package, Sunderland. While the hosts are desperate to snap a worrying run of form that sees them sliding down the table, the Black Cats arrive in London flying high. Fresh off a resilient 2-2 draw against Arsenal and a shock victory over Chelsea, Sunderland have proven they are not just here to make up the numbers.

For Fulham, Marco Silva is under pressure to find a solution to his side’s defensive leaks. For Sunderland, captain Granit Xhaka and wonderkid Chris Rigg look to continue their fairytale run in the top flight.

Fulham vs Sunderland — Quick Match Info

Fixture: Fulham vs Sunderland
Competition: Premier League (Matchweek 12)
Venue: Craven Cottage, London
Date: Saturday, 22 November 2025
Kickoff Time: 15:00 GMT / 16:00 CET / 20:30 IST
Referee: Darren England
VAR: Stuart Attwell (Expected)
TV Channel (UK): Not televised (3pm Blackout)
TV Channel (USA): Peacock Premium
TV Channel (India): Star Sports Select 2, Disney+ Hotstar
Live Stream: Peacock (USA), JioStar (India)

Fulham vs Sunderland — Match Context (2025/26 Season)

Fulham:

Position: 15th in the Premier League.
Form: Poor. They have lost 3 of their last 4 league games, including a disappointing 2-0 loss to Everton.
Current Challenge: Replacing the defensive output of the injured Antonee Robinson and suspended Sasa Lukic.

Sunderland:

Position: 6th in the Premier League (Chasing Europe).
Form: Excellent. Unbeaten in their last 4 matches, including huge results against Arsenal (2-2) and Chelsea (2-1 win).
Current Challenge: Maintaining momentum after the international break while managing a growing injury list (Mundle, Diarra, Alese).

Fulham vs Sunderland — What’s at Stake

For Fulham:

Stopping the Rot: A loss here could drag them dangerously close to the relegation zone. They need a home win to calm the nerves at the Cottage.

For Sunderland:

European Dream: Sitting in 6th, a win here would solidify their status as genuine contenders for a European spot. It would also prove their “Giant Killing” form isn’t a fluke.

Fulham vs Sunderland — Team Form

Fulham (Last 5 Matches):

L vs Everton (0-2)
W vs Wolves (3-0)
W vs Wycombe (2-1 – EFL Cup)
L vs Newcastle (1-2)
L vs Arsenal (0-1)

Sunderland (Last 5 Matches):

D vs Arsenal (2-2)
D vs Everton (1-1)
W vs Chelsea (2-1)
W vs Wolves (2-0)
L vs Manchester Utd (0-2)

Fulham vs Sunderland — Team News

Fulham:

Sasa Lukic: Suspended (Yellow Cards accumulation).
Antonee Robinson: Out (Knee Injury – Huge loss for their left flank).
Emile Smith Rowe: Available (Expected to start).
Joachim Andersen: Available.

Sunderland:

Romaine Mundle: Out (Hamstring Injury).
Habib Diarra: Out (Groin Injury).
Aji Alese: Out (Shoulder Injury).
Leo Hjelde: Out (Achilles Tendon).
Granit Xhaka: Available (The Captain is fit).
Chris Rigg: Available (Returned from England U19 duty).

Fulham vs Sunderland — Head to Head

09 Feb 2023: Sunderland 2–3 Fulham (FA Cup)
28 Jan 2023: Fulham 1–1 Sunderland (FA Cup)
27 Apr 2018: Fulham 2–1 Sunderland
16 Dec 2017: Sunderland 1–0 Fulham
04 Feb 2015: Fulham 1–3 Sunderland

Fulham vs Sunderland — Predicted Lineups

Fulham (4-2-3-1):
With Robinson out, Castagne shifts to left-back. Sander Berge steps in for the suspended Lukic.

GK: Bernd Leno
RB: Kenny Tete
CB: Joachim Andersen
CB: Calvin Bassey
LB: Timothy Castagne
CDM: Sander Berge
CDM: Harrison Reed
RW: Adama Traoré
CAM: Emile Smith Rowe
LW: Alex Iwobi
ST: Rodrigo Muniz

Sunderland (4-3-3):
Regis Le Bris will rely on his midfield general Granit Xhaka. Simon Adingra likely replaces the injured Mundle on the wing.

GK: Anthony Patterson
RB: Nordi Mukiele
CB: Daniel Ballard
CB: Luke O’Nien
LB: Dennis Cirkin
CDM: Granit Xhaka (C)
CM: Enzo Le Fée
CM: Chris Rigg
RW: Simon Adingra
ST: Brian Brobbey
LW: Wilson Isidor

Fulham vs Sunderland — Tactical Outlook

Fulham:

Playing Style: Marco Silva wants to dominate possession, but without Robinson’s overlapping runs, their left side will be static. Expect them to channel attacks down the right through Adama Traoré.
Weakness: Defending transitions. Sunderland’s speed on the break will terrify a Fulham backline that lacks pace without Robinson.

Sunderland:

Playing Style: Controlled Chaos. Under Le Bris, they press aggressively in midfield (led by Xhaka) and launch lightning-fast counters. Chris Rigg has been given freedom to roam, linking play between the midfield and the explosive Brian Brobbey.
Strength: Midfield Balance. The Xhaka-Le Fée-Rigg trio is technically superior to Fulham’s current midfield pivot.

Fulham vs Sunderland — Key Battles

Matchup	Battle Type	Edge
Timothy Castagne vs. Simon Adingra	Makeshift LB vs. Pure Speed: Castagne is a right-back playing on the left. Adingra will look to expose him 1v1 all game.	Sunderland
Sander Berge vs. Chris Rigg	Power vs. Intelligence: Berge is huge, but Rigg is slippery. If Rigg finds pockets of space, he will create chances.	Tie
Joachim Andersen vs. Brian Brobbey	Physical Duel: Brobbey is a tank. Andersen loves a battle. This will be a heavy-hitting contest in the box.	Fulham

Fulham vs Sunderland — Spotlight Players

Emile Smith Rowe (Fulham):
Fulham’s record signing has been the bright spot in a dull season. He needs to take control of this game. If he can isolate Xhaka and turn him, Fulham have a chance.

Chris Rigg (Sunderland):
The teenage sensation is the talk of the Premier League. Fresh off scoring for England U19s, his fearlessness and vision are driving Sunderland’s European charge. Watch for his late runs into the box.

Fulham vs Sunderland — Statistical Snapshot

Metric	Fulham	Sunderland
Position	15th (11 Points)	6th (20 Points)
Last 5 Form	L-W-W-L-L	D-D-W-W-L
Goals Scored	12	19
Goals Conceded	18	14
Clean Sheets	2	4

Explanation: Sunderland is statistically superior in both attack and defense. Fulham’s goal difference (-6) is a major concern coming into this fixture.

Fulham vs Sunderland — Fan Reactions

Fulham Fans:

“No Robinson and no Lukic? We are in trouble. Adama needs to have the game of his life.”
“Must win. We can’t let a promoted team come to the Cottage and boss us.”

Sunderland Fans:

“Xhaka has been the signing of the season. He’ll run the show.”
“Beware the new manager bounce? No, wait, Silva is still there. We should smash them 2-0.”

Fulham vs Sunderland — Where to Watch

UK: Not Televised (3pm Blackout)
USA: Peacock Premium
India: Star Sports Select 2, Disney+ Hotstar, JioStar
Australia: Optus Sport

Fulham vs Sunderland — Match-Defining Factors

The “Xhaka” Factor: Granit Xhaka’s experience in controlling Premier League midfields is something Fulham lacks. If he dictates the tempo, the crowd will turn on Fulham.
Fulham’s Left Side Weakness: Without Robinson, Fulham lose their main attacking outlet. Sunderland will likely overload that side.
Set Pieces: Sunderland have been dangerous from corners with Dan Ballard and Luke O’Nien. Fulham have struggled to defend aerial balls recently.

Fulham vs Sunderland — Prediction

Score Prediction: Fulham 1–2 Sunderland

Betting Insights:

Outcome: Sunderland Draw No Bet (Protects you if it ends in a draw).
Both Teams to Score (BTTS): YES (Fulham usually score at home; Sunderland’s attack is on fire).
Total Cards: Over 4.5 Cards (Ref Darren England averages high cards, and Xhaka loves a tackle).

Analysis: The momentum is entirely with the visitors. Fulham are missing key players in key positions (LB/CM), while Sunderland’s spine (Patterson-Ballard-Xhaka-Brobbey) is strong. Expect a tight game, but Sunderland’s confidence should edge it.

Fulham vs Sunderland — Final Word

It is rare for a promoted side to visit an established Premier League club as favorites, but Sunderland have earned that right. Their fearless football under Regis Le Bris is a joy to watch. Fulham are in a rut and facing an injury crisis at the worst possible time. Unless Emile Smith Rowe produces magic, the Black Cats look set to take all three points back to the North East.

Fulham vs Sunderland — FAQs

When is the Fulham vs Sunderland match?
The match kicks off on Saturday, 22 November 2025, at 15:00 GMT (20:30 IST).

Is Granit Xhaka playing for Sunderland?
Yes, Granit Xhaka is Sunderland’s captain and is available to start in midfield.

Who is replacing Antonee Robinson for Fulham?
With Robinson injured, Timothy Castagne is expected to shift to Left Back.

Where can I watch the match in India?
You can stream the match live on Disney+ Hotstar and JioStar.

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