Sunderland boosted by Xhaka fitness before Fulham test
Sunderland u21 win 2-1 at Everton u21. Abdullahi levels from Jones’s pass, Geragusian wins and converts a penalty. Lienard outstanding at the back, named man of the match.
Preview tips Chukwueze to start for Fulham at Sunderland, with Leno, Andersen, Bassey, Iwobi and Berge in XI, Smith Rowe and Wilson behind Jimenez. Lukic, Cairney likely out.
Fulham boss Marco Silva hails Sunderland’s strong home record, targets a win at the Stadium of Light. Lukić and Cairney back training, Chukwueze out with a calf knock.
Opinion: Fulham at home seen as a marker of Sunderland’s ambition, with Xhaka back and Europe talk growing. Fans want Le Bris’s side to prove mentality after blips.
After Gus Poyet’s open letter, Sunderland draw 0-0 with West Brom in 2015. Defoe contained, chances from set plays, pressure grows as relegation fears linger.
Views on Jocelin Ta Bi: lively cameo vs Oxford shows promise. Young winger seen as mouldable under Le Bris, with patience urged as he adapts from Israel to Premier League.
Sunderland Women beat Durham 3-2 after trailing 1-0. Kitching equalises from Watson’s cross, debutant Griffiths curls a stunner, Sheva blasts a third before a late reply.
Le Bris says Xhaka is fit for Sunderland, Traore out, Reinildo sidelined 3-4 weeks, Alderete fine after a rest. Mukiele has a hand issue limiting long throws but can play.
