Fulham v Sunderland: Bruce aims to end poor away record
Posted by Colin Illingworth at 12:32 PM in Colin Illingworth, Fulham, Predictions, Premier League, Sunderland | Permalink
Just what is going on at Sunderland? One week the Black Cats beat the might of Liverpool, only to lose to Birmingham. They then triumph over title challengers Arsenal only to lose the following week to Wigan. No wonder Steve Bruce’s hair is going grey!
At the Stadium of Light Sunderland believe they can beat anyone, but away from home they’d have trouble even battering a fish. They’ve picked up just four points on the road this season, but today could signal a change in fortunes as they tackle a Fulham side that haven’t beaten them in five attempts.
You have to go back almost four years for the last time Fulham recorded a win over the Wearsiders. That was courtesy of a Collins John brace and aided by a Steven Caldwell red card. Since then the Black Cats have been top dogs, winning three of their past five meetings and they will be hoping to keep that run going this afternoon.
Fulham enter the game one point behind their opponents on the back of just one defeat in their past eight league outings. Craven Cottage has never been an easy place to visit but Roy Hodgson has made it even harder by turning it into something of a fortress. Only Arsenal and Chelsea have left the Cottage with all three points this season. Can Sunderland join that elite list? According to the Panel, no.
Fulham v Sunderland; Kick Off 3pm 06 Dec 2009
Prediction Panel
Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).
Dave Blackburn : 1 - 0
Chris Cox : 2 - 1
Graham Enwright : 2 - 1
Sue Gardener : 1 - 1
Chris Goodwin : 1 - 1
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 2 - 1
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : TBC
Peter Lee : 2 - 1
Don McMahon : 1 - 0
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 0 - 1
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : 1 - 1
Dave Nash : TBC
Stephen Orford (sqf) : 2 - 1
Tony Ratton : 1 - 1
Peter Rendle : 1 - 0
Dan Taylor : TBC
Andy Wakeman : 2 - 2
Isaac Williams : 1 - 1
Mark Williams : 1 – 0
Panel Verdict
A share of the spoils is the best Sunderland can hope for.
Home: 9; Draw: 6; Away: 1; TBC: 4.
* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!
