Sunderland vs Fulham prediction 22.02.2026 | Premier League

Sunderland returned to the Premier League after winning the Championship Playoffs last season. They returned to the English top flight after eight years and are doing more than an OK job of securing survival. In fact, in the first part of the season, they even spent time in the top four spots. Now, after 26 rounds, the Black Cats are sitting in 11th place with 36 points from 26 rounds. They are 12 points above the danger zone, and it doesn't seem they would get involved in a relegation battle. However, their current form is worrisome, at least in the PL, where they lost three of the past four games. 

After a 1:0 win over Oxford Utd in the previous game, the coach spoke to the media. The coach was fairly satisfied and said they just need to do their best and enjoy every game. He added that he is happy with the win, since it was a tricky game with a lot of direct play and long balls.

Fulham had three very good seasons behind them, finishing between 10th and 13th place in the Premier League. This season, the Cottagers are once again around the same placement, currently in 12th place with 34 points - two points away from their next opponent, Sunderland. However, similarly to Sunderland, the Cottagers are in terrible form in the PL, having lost three in a row and four of the past five. 

After a 2:1 win over Stoke, coach Marco Silva spoke to the media. He praised his squad rotation and the players who came in. When asked whether he needed to rest key midfielder Iwobi, the coach said the game required his presence.