Sunderland host Fulham at the Stadium of Light this Sunday in their first Premier League home game of the season. The matchday two fixture kicks off at 2pm BST, with both clubs aiming to bounce back from opening weekend losses. Head coach Regis Le Bris has several selection decisions to make as his team looks to improve on their current league standing of 11th, having taken three points from their first two matches.
Sunderland's squad has been impacted by injury and suspension. Key winger Simon Adingra is out for around six weeks with an ankle injury sustained in pre-season, joining Habib Diarra on the sidelines. New signing Dayann Methalie is also unavailable due to a one-match suspension carried over from his time in France. There is better news in defence, where Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete have overcome fitness concerns and are pushing to start alongside Thomas Ballard and Reinildo Mandava. New arrival Jules Ahoka, fully registered after his move from Royal Antwerp, is expected to be in the matchday squad, likely beginning on the bench.
Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa has his own selection puzzles to solve. Club captain Tom Cairney remains absent as he recovers from a minor knee operation and is not expected back in full training until after the September international break. Teenage defender Luc De Fougerolles is a major doubt after picking up a knock in the midweek Carabao Cup win over AFC Wimbledon and will face a late fitness test. Star centre-back Joachim Andersen is fully cleared to play after serving a multi-match suspension and is highly tipped to anchor the defence alongside Calvin Bassey in front of goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
Sunderland began their campaign with a 2-1 away defeat to Ipswich Town. Nilson Angulo scored an equaliser, but defensive lapses late in the game proved costly. The club's pre-season included victories over Stade Rennais and RC Lens, offering some positive foundations. Fulham also lost their opening league match, falling 3-2 at home to Chelsea. They responded with a 3-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon in the EFL Cup, with goals from Emile Smith Rowe and Rodrigo Muniz. Fulham won both Premier League meetings against Sunderland last season, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this fixture. Sunderland's season statistics show they have scored two goals and conceded two, leaving them with a zero goal difference.
Regis Le Bris is predicted to select a starting eleven featuring Roefs in goal. The back four could consist of Meunier, Ballard, Alderete, and Mandava. Sadiki and Xhaka may form the midfield base, with Hume, Le Fee, and Angulo supporting striker Brobbey. For the visitors, Álvaro Arbeloa is likely to set up with Leno in goal. A back line of Castagne, Bassey, Andersen, and Robinson could protect him. Iwobi and Berge might patrol midfield, behind an attacking trio of Bobb, King, and Palacios, supporting striker Garcia.
Sunday's match is a key early opportunity for Sunderland to build momentum at home. The club sits three points behind early leaders Manchester City in the title race. Following this game, attention turns to a challenging away fixture against Brentford, who are currently fourth in the table, on September 5th. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming challenges on the club's fixtures and standings pages. Securing a positive result against Fulham would provide a vital boost ahead of that trip and the broader season ahead.
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports+.
