‘Sunderland fans will think I’m mad, but this is what will happen vs Fulham’ – Paul Merson
Paul Merson has shared his prediction for Sunderland’s clash away to Fulham.
Transfer rumours are already starting to heat up at the Stadium of Light ahead of the January window, though Regis Le Bris will be keeping his focus firmly on their next encounter.
Sunderland travel to face Fulham on Saturday, looking for back-to-back wins in London for the first time since 2001.
Chris Sutton has already predicted a defeat for Sunderland, with Merson also forecasting a miserable day in the capital for the Black Cats.
Fulham predicted to beat Sunderland
Fulham are favourites to beat Sunderland on Saturday, though the form of the two sides would suggest a different story.
Off the back of Sunderland’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the Stadium of Light, Le Bris’ side are unbeaten in their last four, while the Cottagers have won just one of their last seven.
Ahead of the game, eight points and 10 places separate the two sides after 11 games, though Merson still thinks that the result will go in favour of the hosts.
Via Sports Keeda, he said: “Sunderland have been amazing, what an unbelievable start on their return to the Premier League. This is a game where Fulham need a result because they are playing at home and have not been great to watch in recent weeks.
“Even though Fulham were poor against Everton, I’m backing them here. A lot of Sunderland fans will think I’m mad, but it’s what I really think.”
Merson went on to predict a 2-1 defeat for Sunderland, which would be only their third of the Premier League campaign.
Sunderland could match Wigan Athletic feat with win vs Fulham
A win for Sunderland could mathematically take them up to second on Saturday, though it would require a huge goal swing given Man City’s +15 goal difference.
However, a win would also see Sunderland become the best promoted team in the Premier League for 20 years.
Last time a promoted side achieved 22 points or more was Wigan back in the 2005-06 season.
This is already Sunderland’s best start to a top-flight campaign in 26 years, showcasing just how well things are going at the Stadium of Light.
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