Gav - @Gav1879
I’m genuinely enthused ahead of this one.
No Cattermole - fantastic!
Didier Ndong is back - great!
We didn’t lose last week, and we kept a clean sheet - amazing!
Let’s build on some positivity coming out of last week’s display by getting over our home blip and finding a win. Chris Coleman is making slow progress and the fans are crying out for something to cheer about - and I honestly think that this will be the game in which we do it.
Sunderland 2-0 Fulham
James Copley - @JamesCopley73
After a solid performance against Wolves, in which Chris Coleman implemented his preferred system, there’s finally a good feeling around the club. It’s essential that we try and build from this promising defensive display.
I expect Coleman will keep things nice and tight set up his team to play on the break against his former side.
We have to take things one step at a time I’ve got a feeling we’ll be looking for another clean sheet without going gung-ho for the victory.
Sunderland 0-0 Fulham
Paddy Hollis - @PaddyAstley
The result at Wolves was great, and it may well be what we need to kick-start our campaign.
Coleman knows that there isn’t a quick fix and no one should be surprised if we don’t go all out.
Yes, a home win would be absolutely lovely, however to just not lose would be also positive.
Sunderland 1-1 Fulham
Mark Carrick - @Carrima
Chris Coleman approached the Wolves match with a game-plan and the loss of Cattermole didn’t change that.
I expect he has a plan in mind for Fulham, this being his old club and the fact we need to end this long-drawn out search for a home win.
McGeady may be back in the side, perhaps at the expense of Wilson, so a more attacking unit may just seal the deal.
Sunderland 1-0 Fulham
Connor Bromley - @ConnorBromley
Fulham are decent - under-performing a bit this season - but overall a stern test. I like their manager and I like the way they play. Tom Cairney is class too. Therefore it seems to me that this game will be a draw.
An early Fulham goal will eventually be answered back by a late Joel Asoro strike. The lads will push for the winner only to see James Vaughan thwarted by his lack of football ability - heading over from 5 yards out.
Sunderland 1-1 Fulham
James Nickels - @JamesNickels
So, I was right in-part about last week. It was either going to be a close-game where we picked up a result, or an absolute mauling. Shame I actually went for the latter in the end.
Fulham are a wholesomely different opposition this time around, but don’t think their mid-table position will convince Coleman to change his system from last week. If we have the personnel to do so, expect the 3-4-3/5-4-1 to be his go to formation, like it or lump it.
Fulham are a talented team full of attacking pace and potential, ran by Tom Cairney in attacking midfield but have struggled of goals of late (bar an incredible 5-4 win over Sheffield United at Brammall Lane) having scored just two or more goals on six occasions this season.
They have, however, picked up more points away from home than at Craven Cottage this season, and our horrendous home form has been well-documented. Expect the Welshman to line his side up with the intention to keep it tight at the back and not come flying out of the blocks; just like the Reading game.
Hopefully, with more time attuning our new formation and a bit of luck (and no ridiculous sending off this week, please) we can go out and grab what the Welshman will want for Christmas more than any other - a 1-0 home victory.
Sunderland 1-0 Fulham
Alex McCain - @AlexRokerReport
My general sense of nervousness and fear of individual errors are a lot tamer as we approach this next fixture - Coleman has a refined defensive set-up that should serve us well for the forseeable, if last weeks goalless draw away to Wolves is anything to go by.
But that being said, Fulham have Ryan Sessegnon, and his ability is terrifying. I watched Fulham’s dramatic 5-4 triumph away to Sheffield United a few weeks ago and young Sessegnon looked unplayable at times as he tortured the United full-backs. I hope our lot can do a better job.
Sunderland 2-2 Fulham
Graham - @AsylumDoors
There’s an element of hope in me right now thanks to an impressive weekend performance.
With Lee Cattermole suspended and Didier Ndong back in contention to replace him, I quite fancy us to get something.
I am very wary of predicting a win, but we’ve done better against possession based teams this year such as Norwich and Wolves, however I think the pace in Fulham’s side could catch us cold. Despite that, I’m going to say Chris Coleman’s red and white army will finally fix their dreadful home form. Hawaaaaaay!
Sunderland 2-1 Fulham
Jake Hannah - @jake_hannah
Having picked up a second clean sheet in the space of three games, my confidence in our ability to defend has increased. We were always going to ride our luck at times against those setting the pace at the right end of the league, but we stuck at a game plan throughout - something we haven’t became accustomed to in the past few months.
What worries me is their options in attacking positions, with the likes of Sheyi Ojo, Jordan Graham, and Lucas Piazon able to unlock a defence at any given moment. Hopefully Jokanović sticks with attack-minded Ryan Sessegnon as part of a back four as I feel we can exploit his defensive frailties, especially with the willingness to run Lynden Gooch has shown when he’s been given his opportunity.
This won’t be an easy game by any stretch and could see us under-estimating Fulham under the stewardship of previous managers, but I think the mentality of our side has shifted since Coleman’s appointment. Ever the optimist, I’m going for a solid home win to give us momentum going into the huge game against Birmingham next week. Haway the Lads!
Sunderland 2-0 Fulham
Jake Trelease - @jakeytrelease
After the valiant 0-0 draw at Molineux, another solid performance is expected with talk of Chris Coleman defensive consistency in the air.
But if watching Sunderland has taught me anything it’s that we’re consistently inconsistent when it comes to navigating through periods of fan confidence or hope.
In light of this, and the fact that there’s a lovely 365-day lack of home win record hanging over our heads I predict a 1-1 draw.
I reckon the game will follow a similar pattern to the Wolves match for the most part if we can deal with the pace of Fulham and young Ryan Sessegnon. Lynden Gooch will then score on 74 minutes before a Fulham equaliser in injury time cements us into the annals of English footballing folklore.
Tears of respect ensue.
Sunderland 1 - 1 Fulham