The key Sunderland and Fulham stats to look out for ahead of Premier League return
Sunderland head to Fulham in the Premier League this weekend, preview via Peder Leufstedt Nyström
Sunderland will this weekend travel to West London for their match against Fulham on Saturday, hoping to retain their place in the top four after an impressive start to the season.
Meanwhile, Fulham will take to the pitch in poor form, and while the pressure was piling on manager Marco Silva it appears he could be in line for a contract extension. The Black Cats have been clinical in front of goal so far this season. Despite maintaining an average possession of only 43.3%, they have managed to score 14 times from an expected-goals total of just 10.55, outperforming their xG by 3.45. Fulham have also slightly exceeded expectations, scoring 12 goals from an xG of 11.
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While effective, Sunderland remain bottom of the league for shots on target, having produced only 30 so far, raising questions about the sustainability of their performances. They have therefore become something of a statistical outlier, sitting fourth in the table despite having an xPts total of just 13, which would place them 15th.
A major factor behind Sunderland’s attacking output has been Granit Xhaka. Even though his underlying numbers (0.37 xG and 1.17 xA) remain unremarkable, he has already contributed one goal and three assists, significantly overperforming his statistical expectations.
He is, however, one booking away from a one-match suspension, which could convince Régis Le Bris to manage his minutes carefully to ensure the Swiss midfielder’s availability for the crucial match against Bournemouth the following weekend.
Fulham have faced similar underlying issues this season, but without the individual quality or clinical goalscoring to compensate. With an average possession of just over 50% and sitting 11th in the league in terms of touches in the opposition box, they appear to have some unrealised attacking potential. However, breaking Sunderland down could prove difficult, as the Black Cats have been one of the most resilient sides in the league, conceding only 10 goals so far this season.
Daniel Ballard has thrived alongside newcomers Nordi Mukiele and Lutsharel Geertruida, and the trio are expected to continue their partnership on Saturday should nothing unexpected occur. The recent head-to-head record gives neither side a clear advantage. Across their last five meetings, both clubs have won twice, with the remaining match ending in a draw.
Meanwhile, Fulham have reportedly tabled a new long-term contract extension to head coach Silva ahead of Saturday afternoon’s Premier League clash against Sunderland. The Black Cats travel to Craven Cottage looking to build on a stellar start to the season that has seen them take 19 points from their opening 11 matches, and climb to fourth in the table as a consequence.
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