Sunderland host Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
Paul Merson and Chris Sutton have both predicted a 1-1 draw between Sunderland and Fulham when the two sides play each on Wearside this weekend.
The Black Cats host the Cottagers at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon, and will be eager to return to winning ways in the Premier League after losing consecutive top flight outings to Arsenal and Liverpool in recent weeks.
For their part, Fulham have also had to endure a downturn in form of late, and are currently in the midst of a run of four defeats in their last five league fixtures, including a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City last Wednesday.
Marco Silva’s men did, however, beat Sunderland when the two sides met at Craven Cottage earlier in the campaign, sealing all three points in the closing moments of a tight encounter thanks to a late Raul Jimenez strike.
What has Paul Merson said about Sunderland vs Fulham?
Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson said: “Sunderland got well beat by Liverpool, but managed to get back on track with a win in the FA Cup. When I look at their opponents this weekend, they face a funny team.
“Fulham had good chances against Manchester City, but lost. Dominated Everton and lost. They also lost to Manchester United in the last minute after coming back from 2-0 down! So Fulham are not a bad team, it's just that the results are not coming from them.
“Sunderland will be affected by that loss to Liverpool. It was the first time they got destroyed at home this season. They are missing Granit Xhaka in midfield. Sunderland struggle to keep the ball without Xhaka and he's been a big miss for them. I expect a draw here.” The pundit has predicted a 1-1 draw.
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What has Chris Sutton said about Sunderland vs Fulham?
Speaking to BBC Sport, Sutton agreed with Merson’s forecast of a 1-1 draw, stating: “Sunderland's form has dropped off a little bit in recent weeks but they have still had a phenomenal season and are probably safe already on 36 points - now they just have to see it through.
“It will be interesting to see how Regis Le Bris's side respond to their first home defeat of the season, but Fulham are hardly on a great run either with three straight league losses. Marco Silva's side beat the Black Cats at Craven Cottage in November, and will leapfrog them in the table if they win this time too - but I don't think that will happen.”
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