Sunderland will be aiming to bounce back from an opening day defeat when they host Fulham at the Stadium of Light on August 30.

Sunderland Need Defensive Improvement

Regis Le Bris would have been disappointed by his side’s performance on the opening weekend of the season, as Sunderland were beaten by newly promoted Ipswich Town.

The Black Cats have conceded seven goals in their previous four fixtures, including two in the loss last weekend. Offensive quality will also need to improve, as Sunderland missed two big chances against Ipswich.

Nilson Angulo will be a key attacking outlet, having scored three times in his last ten starts. Simon Adingra is the only player missing due to injury.

Sunderland predicted lineup vs Fulham (4-2-3-1): Roefs; Meunier, Ballard, O’Nien, Mandava; Sadiki, Xhaka; Hume, le Fee, Angulo; Brobbey.

Cottagers Attacking Talent Catches The Eye

Alvaro Arbeloa suffered defeat in his first Premier League match in charge of Fulham, as the Cottagers were beaten 3-2 by Chelsea.

A weak defensive record has been an unwanted trait, as they have now conceded seven goals in their previous four. However, a youthful forward line makes for an exciting future, with Oscar Bobb and Josh King combining for the latter’s goal.

New addition Gonzalo Garcia also made a pleasing impression on his Premier League debut, and the Spaniard has scored four goals in his last eight appearances for club and country. Tom Cairney remains sidelined due to injury.

Fulham predicted lineup vs Sunderland (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Bassey, Cuenca, Robinson; Berge, Iwobi; Palacios, Bobb, King; Garcia

Sunderland vs Fulham Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Under 3.5 Goals
  • Odds: 1.26 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: CBV9F
  • Correct score prediction: Sunderland 1-2 Fulham

Key stats:

  • Under 3.5 goals have been scored in four of the previous six head-to-heads.
  • Six of Fulham’s seven fixtures under Arbeloa have seen no more than four goals scored.
  • Sunderland’s last three matches have seen no more than three goals.

There will be pressure on both Sunderland and Fulham to bounce back from opening day defeats. This means we expect a cagey and low-scoring fixture. Under 3.5 goals have been scored in four of the last six head-to-head matchups, while the same trend has been a winner in six of Fulham’s seven fixtures under Arbeloa.

Sunderland’s fixtures have also seen no more than three goals in their previous three, while a low average of 2.37 goals was scored per fixture at the Stadium of Light last term.

Sunderland vs Fulham Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Fulham
  • Odds: 3.00 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 5EE13

An away victory could be an area of value this weekend. Sunderland were disappointing in their opening match of the season, and they have lost four of their last seven fixtures.

Fulham’s attacking quality is expected to shine on the counterattack this term, and they have avoided defeat in four of their previous six under Arbeloa. Interestingly, the Cottagers have never lost in five Premier League trips to the Stadium of Light, winning on three occasions.

Verdict: Under 3.5 Goals (1.26) — Sunderland 1-2 Fulham