The hosts are searching for their first points at home: Sunderland vs Fulham prediction
The second-round Premier League match between Sunderland and Fulham will take place on 30 August at the Stadium of Light. Both teams began the season with defeats: the hosts lost 2-1 to Ipswich, while the London side were beaten 3-2 by Chelsea.
- Read also: Brighton are ready to make life difficult for the Londoners again: Chelsea vs Brighton prediction
Sunderland: defence raises concerns again
After an impressive previous season that ended with a seventh-place finish and Europa League qualification, Régis Le Bris' side made a disappointing start to the new campaign. Against Ipswich, the Black Cats conceded the decisive goal in the 90th minute, despite Nilson Angulo having equalised before half-time.
The overall trend is also concerning, with Sunderland keeping just one clean sheet in their last seven competitive matches. However, their first home game of the season should provide an extra boost, particularly after the frustrating defeat in the opening round.
Fulham: attack already looks dangerous
Álvaro Arbeloa's first Premier League match in charge ended in a 3-2 defeat to Chelsea, but Fulham remained in contention for points until the very end. New signing Gonzalo García scored on his debut and then found the net again in the 3-0 cup victory over Wimbledon.
The London side have scored five goals in their first two competitive matches and travel to the north of England with strong attacking momentum. Fulham are also unbeaten in their last five matches against Sunderland, winning four of them.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Sunderland have kept just one clean sheet in their last seven competitive matches.
- Fulham have scored five goals in their first two matches of the season.
- The London side have won four of their last five matches against Sunderland, with the other ending in a draw.
The hosts' defensive problems could decide the outcome: Sunderland vs Fulham prediction
Sunderland are likely to play more aggressively at home, but their current defensive reliability raises serious doubts. Against that backdrop, Fulham's in-form attack looks particularly dangerous.
The visitors have already shown that they can create chances regularly, while the recent head-to-head record is also in their favour. If Arbeloa's side avoid major mistakes at the back, they should be capable of taking all three points.
