As Fulham and Sunderland prepare for their upcoming Premier League clash, both teams have significant stats and histories to consider. The matchup marks a notable return of the Black Cats to the Premier League arena after a lengthy absence. Their last top-flight meeting was back in January 2014, when Sunderland triumphed with a 4-1 victory.
Head-to-Head History
Fulham has struggled against Sunderland in their recent home encounters, having lost their last two Premier League matches against them. However, their most recent meeting ended with the Cottagers prevailing 2-1 during a Championship match in April 2018.
Current Form and Statistics
- Fulham is currently unbeaten in their last 10 matches against newly promoted teams in the Premier League.
- They boast a record of 5 wins and 5 draws, indicating their resilience in these contests.
- Sunderland, meanwhile, has managed to accumulate 19 points over their first 11 league matches this season, which is their best start since the 1999-2000 campaign.
Home Advantage for Fulham
This season, Fulham has earned 91% of their points at Craven Cottage, making it the highest home point ratio in the Premier League this term. They have secured three victories from their last four home league games, a significant improvement compared to their earlier performances.
Sunderland’s Away Challenges
On the other hand, Sunderland recently achieved a 2-1 victory against Chelsea, marking their last winning away game in the Premier League. However, they haven’t won consecutive away matches in London since March 2001.
Key Performance Metrics
- Sunderland has the lowest open play expected goals tally in the Premier League this season at 5.1.
- Meanwhile, 47% of their non-penalty expected goals stem from set plays, the highest ratio in the league.
Fulham’s Struggles in Scoring
This season, Fulham’s offensive performance is below par, averaging just 11 shots per game, their lowest in history. Conversely, they have conceded 69% of their goals in the second halves of matches, putting additional pressure on their defense.
Impactful Players
Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka stands out with his passing ability, ranking third in line-breaking passes this season. He has created five chances from these passes, demonstrating his crucial role in the team’s attacking setup.
The upcoming match promises to be intriguing as both teams desire to bolster their positions in the league. Fulham aims to extend their positive streak at home, while Sunderland looks to build on their promising start after promotion.
