Follow every kick as Fulham take on Sunderland at Craven Cottage in the Premier League
on 06-Dec-2009, kick off time 15:00
Fulham v Sunderland Live
MATCH PREVIEW
Steve Bruce's Sunderland face the long trip to London on Sunday to face Fulham with both teams looking to improve on their top ten Premier League positions. Roy Hodgson has witnessed his side make significant improvements in recent times with just one defeat coming in their last eight games after loitering around the relegation zone at the start of the campaign.
The Cottagers now sit in a more healthy tenth place, much being owed to their strong home record. Sunderland, with Darren Bent remaining in fine early-season form, ride high in eighth and, like Fulham, they have an excellent home record.
The Black Cats have picked up just four points from a possible 21 on their travels and this has to improve if they are to challenge for the European spots this term. Fulham will be looking to further inflict an away-day blow on the visitors from the north east but with Bobby Zamora and Andrew Johnson (both groin) missing alongside Diomansy Kamara and Danny Murphy (both knee), the Fulham strike force looks threadbare with just Erik Nevland and attacking midfielder Clint Dempsey playing upfront at present.
Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon remains on the sidelines with a broken arm and former Wigan Athletic midfielder Lee Cattermole, who suffered a serious knee injury against Liverpool in October, could return towards the end of January at the very earliest.
Bruce will be buoyed that giant striker Kenwyne Jones returned to reserve team action following a three-game suspension in a 3-0 win against Wigan Athletic on Tuesday evening. However, the Trinidad and Tobago man limped off after 20 minutes with a dead leg and he faces a fitness race ahead of the weekend clash.
Source: DSG
