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SUNDERLAND MATCHDAY PREVIEW

January 29, 2023 6:35 pm

FULHAM V SUNDERLAND | SATURDAY 28TH JANUARY 2023 | 3PM | CRAVEN COTTAGE | #FULSUN

The opposition

  • After four years away, Sunderland returned to the Championship in the summer, ending the season strongly to book a Play-Off spot, where they dispatched Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 on aggregate before beating Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley to secure promotion.
  • Results have been mixed back in England’s second tier, but Tony Mowbray’s men have found real form of late, losing just one of their previous six matches. Their most recent outing saw them defeat Middlesbrough to move to within a point of their North-East rivals, who currently occupy the final Play-Off spot.
  • The Mackems’ booked their place in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup in incredibly dramatic style. Trailing 1-0 at Shrewsbury Town after 90 minutes, stoppage time goals from Ross Stewart and Luke O’Nien turned the tie on its head and saw them knock out the League One side.
Sunderland's players celebrate during their victory over Middlesbrough

Fulham team news

Marco Silva has no new injury concerns to contend with, but suggested he could rotate his starting XI for the tie.

Sunderland team news

It was confirmed this week that Corry Evans would miss the remainder of the season after the Sunderland captain suffered an ACL injury against Boro at the weekend. Elliot Embleton is also out for the campaign, while Lynden Hooch probably won’t recover from his hip injury in time for the trip to Craven Cottage. Alex Pritchard and Dennis Cirkin could return, though, while midfielder Pierre Ekwah will be pushing for a debut following his transfer from West Ham United, as will Isaac Lihadji, should he receive international clearance in time following his move from Lille. Joe Gelhardt signed on loan from Leeds United on Friday but is cup-tied, and Luke O’Nien is suspended.

Tickets

Fans can still purchase tickets in the Hammersmith End for this fixture. Prices will increase on matchday.

Weather

A dry and cloudy day is forecast in SW6, with temperatures around seven degrees.

Player insight

Layvin Kurzawa is hoping for another positive FA Cup experience, having scored his first goal for the Club in the previous round.

“I was very, very, very happy to score and win with the team,” he said. “It was my first time with Fulham.

“I hope tomorrow we can win again and, if I can score, I will be happy.”

Coverage

FFCtv subscribers can listen to live commentary of this game from Gentleman Jim, Sean Davis and Jamie Reid.

Forever Fulham

Gary Elkins will be on the pitch at half-time to receive his Forever Fulham award.

Seating

Fans are reminded to only sit in their allocated seat, as congregating groups could risk ejection from the ground.

Early bird

Fans can take advantage of discounted food and drink inside the ground up until 2.30pm.

Fulham Flutter

Win prizes while supporting the Foundation by playing the Fulham Flutter!

Form

Fulham: WWWLL

Sunderland: WDWLW

Top scorers

Fulham: Aleksandar Mitrović (11)

Sunderland: Ross Stewart (11)