Fulham vs. Sunderland: Injury & Suspension Update, Predicted XIs, and Match Outlook
As Fulham prepare to host Sunderland, both teams arrive with key absences that could shape the outcome in this tightly poised clash.
Injury & Suspension Report
Fulham
- Sasa Lukić is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card, leaving a notable gap in midfield. (Sports Mole)
- Antonee Robinson, a fixture down the left flank, is out with a knee injury. (transfer-site.co.uk)
- Rodrigo Muniz continues to sit out following a hamstring issue; he’s still recovering and missing from Fulham’s forward rotation. (Sports Mole)
Sunderland
Sunderland’s injury list is longer and more complex:
- Habib Diarra (groin) is unavailable. (Sports Mole)
- Romaine Mundle remains sidelined with a hamstring problem. (coral.co.uk)
- Leo Hjelde is out with an Achilles injury. (ladbrokes.com)
- Dennis Cirkin (wrist) has also been ruled out. (Sports Mole)
- Additionally, Aji Alese is recovering from a shoulder issue, according to team updates. (transfer-site.co.uk)
- There’s also some uncertainty around Omar Alderete, who is being assessed after missing several games due to concussion protocols. (Sports Mole)
No suspensions are currently reported for Sunderland, suggesting their main selection headaches come via fitness rather than disciplinary action. (livescore.com)
⚽ Predicted Lineups
Fulham (likely 4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno (transfer-site.co.uk)
- Defense: Tete (RB), Andersen, Bassey (CBs), Sessegnon (LB) (sportswear)
- Midfield: Sander Berge (holding), Alex Iwobi (deep), Josh King (attacking), Harry Wilson (wing) (Sports Mole)
- Attack: Raúl Jiménez leading the line (transfer-site.co.uk)
Sunderland (potential 5-2-3 or 5-4-1):
- Goalkeeper: Robin Roefs (transfer-site.co.uk)
- Defense: Trai Hume, Nordi Mukiele, Daniel Ballard, Lutsharel Geertruida, Reinildo Mandava (Sports Mole)
- Midfield: Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, possibly Enzo Le Fée and Bertrand Traoré / Chemsdine Talbi on the wings (Sports Mole)
- Attack: Wilson Isidor up front, supported by Talbi / Le Fée in wide roles (transfer-site.co.uk)
Match Outlook & Implications
Fulham will feel the absence of Lukić deeply, as his defensive discipline and experience anchor the midfield. Without him, they may look to Berge and Iwobi to fill that void, but their defensive shape could be more vulnerable to Sunderland’s counterattacks.
Sunderland, while weakened in defence by the loss of Cirkin and Hjelde, may rely on their wing-backs and a sturdy back five to absorb pressure. Xhaka’s presence in midfield offers leadership and stability, while Isidor up front provides physicality and a focal point for attacks.
Given Fulham’s injury stress and suspension, Sunderland could edge control in midfield. But if Fulham can plug the gaps with discipline and intelligent transitions, they have enough firepower—especially through Jiménez—to threaten on the break.
Prediction: A tight contest. Sunderland might just nick it with a slim 1–0 or 2–1 win, unless Fulham can exploit spaces behind the Black Cats’ wing-backs.
If you like, I can also run a live expected goals (xG) model for this match based on the predicted XIs and recent form — do you want me to do that?
