
Here are the confirmed lineups for both Fulham and Sunderland ahead of their Premier League clash at 3 pm GMT today.
Fulham are desperate for the win; they currently sit just one point above the relegation places, and their only win in their last six league games came against bottom club Wolves. Sunderland, riding high in fourth place, will be hoping for a similar result to when they last visited the capital, when they defeated Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.
Raul Jimenez: Available despite coming off with an injury while on international duty.
Sasa Lukic: Out due to suspension after collecting his fifth yellow card of the season against Everton.
Rodrigo Munez: Out. Has had surgery on the hamstring injury he sustained against Everton. Expected back in the new year.
Antonee Robinson: Out. Not involved for his country during the international break, and manager Marco Silva has confirmed that he will miss today’s game.
Omar Alderete: Available after following concussion protocols. Lacking match fitness, so may have to settle for a place on the bench
Dennis Cirkin: Has not featured at all this season due to injury. However, he is close to returning after playing for the U21s in midweek, but will not be involved today.
Romain Mundle: Played 45 minutes for the U21s but, like Cirkin, will not be involved today. Has been missing all season.
Habib Diarra: Out due grion injury sustained against Aston Villa in September. Expected back next month and could be available for the derby clash against Newcastle.
Leo Hjelde: Out. Still building up his match fitness, playing a part in the U21’s game recently
Aje Alese: Out. Missing since January, but has returned to training.
Starting XI
Bernd Leno
Kenny Tete
Joachim Andersen
Calvin Bassey
Ryan Sessegnon
Alex Iwobi
Sander Berge
Harry Wilson
Joshua King
Kevin
Raul Jimenez
Substitutes: Lecomte, Castagne, Cuenca, Reed, Cairney, Smith Rowe, Adama, Chukwueze, Kusi-Asare
Starting XI
Robin Roefs
Trai Hume
Nordi Mukiele
Lutsharel Geertruida
Dan Ballard
Reinildo
Granit Xhaka ©
Noah Sadiki
Bertrand Traore
Enzo Le Fee
Wilson Isidor
Substitutes: Patterson, Neil, Masukau, Adingra, Talbi, Mayenda, Brobbey, Alderete, O’Nien
Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris spoke ahead of the trip to Craven Cottage. He said: “They are really efficient at home, they can create chances in many ways.. They are really proactive, good side with good players, and good experience through their coaching staff.
“I don’t really understand why they struggle away from home, but it’s at Craven Cottage so that is not the main topic for this weekend. Another tough challenge, we know in this Premier League that we can’t play an easy game. It doesn’t exist.”
Speaking ahead of the home game against Sunderland, Fulham boss Marco Silva spoke about the speculation that he could leave the club. He said: “I’m an ambitious manager, definitely. I want always the best for the football club. I know how difficult it was for us to achieve what we achieved in the last few seasons.
“Standing still is not part of my talks, never, and I always want more. Sometimes that is possible and sometimes not possible, but I can guarantee to you that we have been always on the same page.
“Of course, someone that is in charge of the club has to take financial decisions that are not for me, and myself as a manager. From my side, I think I’ve given enough signs that I’m not looking always to leave the football club, because as you know, I had some chances in the past.”
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