Sunderland vs Fulham Preview – prediction, team news, lineups | Premier League 2026-27
Both sides eye maiden win after conceding defeat in opening matchweek
Rising proudly from the historic grounds of the former Wearmouth Colliery, the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, United Kingdom, gears up to host Matchweek 2 of the Premier League, where home team Sunderland and Fulham face off in what is set to be a thrilling clash.
The Black Cats, who are Europe-bound, suffered a shocking 2-1 defeat to newly promoted Ipswich Town. Le Bris’ side were heading to a 1-1 draw at Suffolk before Clarke scored a late winner for the hosts, and Sunderland came home empty-handed.
Despite keeping possession, Sunderland hardly created chances, and Brobbey upfront had a tough day at the office. Despite clinching a continental berth, Sunderland were one of the lowest spenders in the Premier League this summer after spending merely 32.7m.
Fulham are coming off a 3-2 defeat at home at the hands of reigning world champions Chelsea. They bounced back strongly after winning their Carabao Cup game against Wimbledon. Joshua King and Gonzalo Garcia’s goal against Chelsea went in a lost cause.
Álvaro Arbeloa will take charge of his first away fixture in the Premier League. Fulham have enjoyed playing at the Stadium of Light, losing only once here and winning four of their eight visits to Sunderland. Both sides are coming after a defeat and are hungry for a win.
Kick-off:
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- Location: Sunderland, United Kingdom
- Stadium: Stadium of Light
- Kick-off time: 6:30 pm IST
- Date: Sunday, 30 August
- Referee: Michael Salisbury
- VAR: In use
Form:
Sunderland (in all competitions): L-W-W-W-L
Fulham (in all competitions): L-W-D-W-W
Players to Watch
Granit Xhaka (Sunderland)
A decorated midfield general, tempo controller, and vocal leader in the Sunderland team, Xhaka helped Sunderland finish strongly to play continental football. A born winner, Xhaka has won several accolades, including the Bundesliga with Leverkusen and the FA Cup with Arsenal.
He will be up against Cesar Palacios in the midfield. Switzerland’s all-time most-capped international and captain, Xhaka, led Murat Yakin’s side into the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup before bowing out against Argentina in the quarterfinals.
Antonee Robinson (Fulham)
The English-born American fullback has been a product of Everton’s youth academy. He played for Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers before pledging his allegiance to Fulham in 2020. A hyper-athletic, dynamic, and relentless modern attacking left-back, Robinson will be a key player for Fulham.
He consistently ranks near the top of the league in successful open-field tackles and progressive carries into the final third. Jedi also started every match for the Americans during their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on home soil.
Match Facts
- Johnny Haynes has been the highest goalscorer in this fixture.
- The last time Sunderland defeated Fulham in the Premier League was back in 2014.
- Fulham won the game 3-1 when these two sides locked horns.
Sunderland AFC vs Fulham: Betting Tips and Odds
- Match to end in a draw – 11/5 with bet365
- Brian Brobbey to score – 15/8 with bet365
- Sunderland AFC 1-1 Fulham- 11/2 with bet365
Injury and Team News
For the hosts, Ivorian winger Simon Adingra has a foot injury and will be out for a week.
For Fulham, Scottish midfielder Tom Cairney picked up a knee injury and will be out.
Head-to-Head
Total games: 68
Sunderland won: 26
Fulham won: 22
Matches drawn: 20
Predicted Lineups
Sunderland predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)
Robin Roefs (GK); Thomas Meunier, Daniel Ballard, Luke O’Nien, Reinildo Mandava; Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki; Trai Hume, Enzo Le Fée, Nilson Angulo; Brian Brobbey
Fulham predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)
Bernd Leno (GK); Timothy Castagne, Calvin Bassey, Jorge Cuenca, Antonee Robinson; Sander Berge, Alex Iwobi; Oscar Bobb, Josh King, César Palacios; Gonzalo García
Match Prediction
Both teams are coming off a defeat. Sunderland will be keen to make the most of their home advantage. We expect this game to end in a draw, with Fulham’s Palacios scoring a late equaliser.
Prediction: Sunderland AFC 1-1 Fulham
Telecast Details
- India: JioStar and Star Sports Select
- UK: Sky Sports and TNT Sports
- USA: Peacock
- Nigeria: SuperSport via DStv
When and where is the Sunderland AFC vs Fulham match?
The match will be played at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, UK, on Sunday, 30 August, at 6:30 p.m. IST.
Where and how to watch the Sunderland AFC vs Fulham match in India?
The match can be streamed on JioStar in India
Where and how to watch the Sunderland AFC vs Fulham match in UK?
The match can be streamed on Sky Sports in UK
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In addition to writing articles on World and Indian Football, Saikat has also covered tournaments like the Durand Cup, Indian Super League, and Hockey India League. Notably, his exceptional communication skills have seen him interview legendary icons like Olympic 2024 gold medalist Yibbi Jansen, former Real Madrid player Javi Hernandez, and many more such sporting stalwarts.