Darren Bent inspired Sunderland's brilliant start to the season but things have started to slow for the Wearsiders. Just 1 win in their last 5 Premiership games has seen the Black Cats slump to mid-table mediocrity - perhaps where they belong. Sunderland have struggled away from home this season having now gone 6 games without a win on the road in the League - they lost 5 of those. They face a Fulham side that seem to have come good at the right time following a very slow start. The Cottagers have now lost just 1 of their last 8 Premiership games. At home they are unbeaten in their last 4 and they have won 3 of those. Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is missing Dickson Etuhu, Diomansy Kamara and Andrew Johnson, while Simon Davies is doubtdful. Damien Duff, Clint Dempsey and Clint Dempsey should all return to the frame. For Sunderland boss Steve Bruce, he sorely misses Lee Cattermole and Craig Gordon. Kenwyne Jones is struggling with a dead leg. Sunderland come into this one having not lost against Fulham in any of the last 5 against the Londoners. They, however, have been poor away from home. If Fulham could repeeat their courageous recent displays against CSKA Sofia, Blackburn and Liverpool then they are reasonable favourites for the 3 points. Having said that, Bruce has prevented his side from losing back-to-back League games this season and he may well do it again.
Fate85 Recommends:
Sunderland @ +1/2 Handicap
Total Goals: Under
Sunderland @ +1/2 Handicap
Total Goals: Under
