Premier League: Sunderland v Fulham match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at The Stadium of Light

Paolo Di Canio leads Sunderland out against Fulham tomorrow (GETTY IMAGES)

Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio begins his first full season in charge at The Stadium of Light and will be hoping that his ten new signings settle quickly into the side. Sunderland fans will be looking to see their side improve on last season’s 17th place and will be hoping to see £6.5m midfield signing Emanuele Giaccherini play a part at some point in tomorrow’s match.

Fulham begin the season under new ownership after Mohamed Al Fayed ended his 16 year stint by selling the club to Shahid Khan. On the pitch, Fulham fans will again look to Dimitar Berbatov to pose an attacking threat; The Bulgarian scored 15 Premiership goals last season (Fulham’s only player in double figures) which proved crucial in them reaching 12th position.

KICK-OFF: Tomorrow, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS:

Sunderland 2 (Gardner, Sessegnon) Fulham 2 (Berbatov, Riether), Premier League, March 2013

Fulham 1 (Petric) Sunderland 3 (Fletcher, Cuellar, Sessegnon), Premier League, November 2012

Fulham 2 (Dempsey, Dembele) Sunderland 1 (Bardsley), Premier League, May 2012

STATS…

Sunderland lead the head-to-head with 21 wins to Fulham’s 16 in the Premiership. There have been 17 draws between the sides.

Sunderland manager, Paulo Di Canio, has so far brought in 10 new signings in the transfer window.

Steven Fletcher was the only Sunderland player in double figures last season scoring 11 goals. Fulham only had one player in double figures too; Dimitar Berbatov with 15 Premier League goals.

ODDS…

Sunderland to win: 1.2

Fulham to win: 2.25

Draw: 2.3

TV: highlights on BBC1 at 10.30pm.