Sunderland host Fulham this Sunday in what is already a must-not-lose situation for Régis Le Bris’s side after their 2-1 opening-day defeat at Ipswich Town. A home crowd, a familiar system, and some genuine quality in the squad; it’s a fixture the Black Cats really ought to approach with confidence. The Sunderland predicted lineup for this one looks set to carry real menace, provided Le Bris gets his selection right.
Sunderland predicted lineup vs Fulham: who starts at the Stadium of Light?
In goal, Robin Roefs keeps his place. He was largely untroubled at Portman Road until that cruel 90th-minute sucker punch from Jack Clarke, and there’s no reason to drop him.
Sunderland’s back four picks itself, more or less. Thomas Meunier fills the right side, a dependable, experienced head at this level. Daniel Ballard and Omar Alderete partner up centrally. Ballard has been excellent for the Black Cats over the past 18 months, and Alderete brings aerial authority alongside him. Reinildo completes the defensive line on the left.
The double pivot of Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki did reasonably well against Ipswich, even if the team as a whole couldn’t hold their shape late on. Xhaka’s reading of the game remains top-drawer for a man of his experience, and his presence in the middle gives Sunderland a stability that not many clubs outside the top six can match. Sadiki covers the ground, wins the ball back, and keeps things ticking.
Trai Hume operates in the right channel of the three behind the striker. It’s a slightly unusual role for him, but Le Bris used him there effectively towards the end of last season. Enzo Le Fée slots in at number ten, where his technical ability and link-up play should cause Fulham’s midfield real problems. Nilson Angulo takes the left side of the trio. He already has a goal to his name this season and was easily Sunderland’s most dangerous attacking outlet against Ipswich.
Up front, Brian Brobbey leads the line. The big Dutchman brings physicality and a goal threat that Fulham’s defenders will find difficult to contain all afternoon.
Dayann Méthalie misses out through suspension, and Simon Adingra remains sidelined with injury.
This side positions them well to control the tempo at home and give Fulham, still adjusting under new boss Álvaro Arbeloa, plenty of defensive headaches.
Sunderland (4-2-3-1): Robin Roefs – Thomas Meunier, Daniel Ballard, Omar Alderete, Reinildo – Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki – Trai Hume, Enzo Le Fée, Nilson Angulo – Brian Brobbey.
