Granit Xhaka reveal suggests one and only scenario for Sunderland vs Fulham
Sunderland have a huge omen in their favour ahead of their clash with Fulham.
Carevn Cottage is the destination on Saturday as Sunderland prepare to face Fulham for the first time since an FA Cup clash in 2023.
The Black Cats have picked up 19 points from their 11 games so far this season, though they are once again the perceived underdogs for Saturday’s clash, despite the hosts’ poor form.
However, Regis Le Bris will be eying yet another win for his side on their travels, and Granit Xhaka will be instrumental behind that.
Fulham have never beaten a side with Granit Xhaka playing
Xhaka spent years at Arsenal before moving to Leverkusen and then back to the Premier League with the Black Cats.
An exit has already been mooted for Xhaka from Sunderland, though his importance to the cause makes that rumour a non-starter, or at least it should.
However, his importance will be on full show again at Fulham, with the 33-year-old looking to build on his own impressive record against the Cottagers.
Xhaka has never lost to Fulham in the six games he has played against them, having been on the winning side five times.
The Swiss captain has scored one goal in that period back in 2019, when he played an integral role in Arsenal’s 4-1 win.
Last time he played at Craven Cottage, he captained the Gunners to a 5-1 win, which would be a welcome result for Sunderland on Saturday, and his record suggests that a victory is the only likely outcome.
Sunderland have perfect chance to rectify attacking concerns vs Fulham
With Sunderland sitting fourth in the Premier League, there is very little to be worried about, though the lack of threat posed from open play is one of them.
The Black Cats have recorded just 5.1 xG from open play this season, which is the lowest of anyone in the Premier League.
Added to that, 47 per cent of their xG away from penalties has come from set pieces, which is the highest ratio in the Premier League.
Given Fulham’s struggles so far this season, the Black Cats can improve on that statistic, and once again, Xhaka will have a role to play in it.
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