Fulham vs Sunderland Predictions

• There is uncertainty around Marco Silva’s long-term future at Fulham
• Sunderland have avoided defeat in eight of their last nine Premier League games
• Sunderland have won two and drawn one of their last four away league games

Black Cats believe they belong

Amid managerial uncertainty at Fulham, Marco Silva’s side look like vulnerable favourites when surprise package Sunderland return to the capital on Saturday.

Regis Le Bris’ side have taken the top flight by storm and show no signs of slowing down after entering the international break with a 2-2 home draw against leaders Arsenal.

If their pre-season aim was to stay up then their 19-point tally after 11 games is probably half-way to the target and their recent spate of late goals suggests they are not short on fitness or belief.

No Silva lining for Fulham

The same cannot be said for Fulham and recent developments at the club indicate they could be contemplating a change in manager. Silva’s contract expires at the end of the campaign and he accused the club of being passive in the transfer market after a spend of £40m last summer.

They have offered him a new deal, but it feels like a kind of ‘put up or shut up’ gesture that could go horribly wrong. Fulham’s problems this season have largely been on the road, but their home fixture list has been pretty kind.

Of the five teams to have visited the Cottage, only Arsenal occupy a position loftier than Sunderland’s four place and while struggling Leeds, Brentford and Wolves all lost there, a Man Utd side a point worse off than Sunderland secured a point.

Sunderland set for more capital gains

The Whites have won three of their last four Premier League home games, which is probably why they are so short in the betting. But there was nothing between them and Leeds, who have an awful record in London, whereas Sunderland are still fond of their trips to the capital.

Since securing promotion via the playoffs at Wembley earlier this year, the Black Cats have drawn 0-0 at Selhurst Park and won 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.

Back Sunderland, who have lost only twice in 11 league games this term, to avoid defeat in the double chance market and have a small wager on a 1-1 draw. Le Bris’ side are neither big scorers or loose in defence away from home and the last time these two sides met, in the cup, it finished one apiece.