Last week's 2-0 defeat at the Emirates can largely be attributed to the speed and attacking quality of Theo Walcott. Sunderland were not very convincing in the counterattack, but then noone expected the Black Cats to take anything away from Emirates. Sunderland have only managed to score 11 times in their last 13 Premier League matches as their attack appears to be increasingly impotent.
Darren Bent had a promising start to the season but has since fallen off the scoring charts as he struggles to find the back of the net. Lee Cattermole returns from suspension and will give the team a much needed boost. Steve Bruce has not been able to manage a victory in the last 13 games and is beginning to feel the heat from his lack of performance. He will look to prove the doubters wrong on Sunday when the Black Cats face Fulham.
The Cottagers are in good form at the moment, having won 3 of their last 4 Premier League matches. Their last win over Birmingham City came from a last gasp strike by
Bobby Zamora, but Fulham were anything but consistent during the match. The current Europa League fixtures may have Roy Hodgson somewhat distracted, but his team is still getting the results they need. A midweek 1-1 draw with
Shakhtar Donetsk was enough to see the Cottagers through to the round of 16 in the Europa League. This was no small accomplishment as far better teams have fallen to Shakhtar when playing in the Ukraine. Hodgson, however, is dealing with a plague of injury problems that include Konchesky, Dempsey, Pantsil and Andy Johnson.
Fulham have been fairly weak while on the road, but their recent performance in the Ukraine proves otherwise. Sunderland are stuck in a rut and this does not seem alikely match for them to turn things around.
Sunderland F.C. vs Fulham F.C.
Sunday February 28, 2010
Kickoff: 4:00 PM (CET)
Venue: Stadium of Light (Sunderland)
Tip: Fulham +0.25 (Asian Handicap)
Best Odds: 2.10 @ Bet365
