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Sunderland vs Fulham Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

Date: February 22, 2026 Venue: Stadium of Light Kickoff Time: 16:00 As the Premier League weekend unfolds, Sunderland and Fulham prepare to go head-to-head in what promises to be a compelling clash of contrasting seasons. Premier League betting enthusiasts can explore the markets and stand a chance to win big with odds that maximize their potential winning. The Black Cats, one of the surprise packages of the campaign, have impressed with their resilience and consistency, climbing into the top half of the table and flirting with European spots thanks to a series of solid results. By contrast, the Cottagers’ season has been a roller-coaster as flashes of attacking threat have been tempered by streaks of inconsistency that have left them scrapping for mid-table stability. Expect tension, tactical battles, and perhaps a late twist in a contest that could swing either way.

Marc Strydom
Marc Strydom

Last updated: 2026-02-10

Chad Nagel

7 minutes read

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Kenny Tete (L) runs at Sunderland's Mozambiquan defender #17 Reinildo Mandava (C)

Kenny Tete (L) runs at Sunderland's Mozambiquan defender #17 Reinildo Mandava (C) / Getty Images

This clash is about momentum and identity as much as points when Sunderland takes on Fulham at the Stadium of Light on 22 February 2026. These sides have traded tight contests in the past, and while Fulham holds a slight historical edge in wins, Sunderland is not a team to be written off or to be taken lightly, especially at home, where they have been extremely good this season. 

Pre-Game Odds & Win Probability

  1. HOME (SUNDERLAND): 8/5 (2.60) – 38.5%

  2. DRAW: 11/5 (3.20) – 31.3% 

  3. AWAY (FULHAM): 33/20 (2.65) – 37.7%

  4. Odds courtesy of Betway, subject to change.

Head-To-Head Record

Last five meetings (All Competitions)

  1. 22/11/2025: Fulham 1-0 Sunderland

  2. 08/02/2023: Sunderland 2-3 Fulham

  3. 28/01/2023: Fulham 1-1 Sunderland 

  4. 27/04/2018: Fulham 2-1 Sunderland 

  5. 16/12/2017: Sunderland 1-0 Fulham 

Sunderland Current Form – LWLWD

Sunderland’s form since returning to the Premier League has been one of the highlights this season. The Black Cats sit comfortably in and around the top ten, a remarkable achievement for a newly promoted side. Under Regis Le Bris, they have been extremely well-organized and displayed a clear identity, while having the resilience and desire to grind out results, even when the odds are against them. 

Coming into this fixture, Sunderland have been riding a wave of confidence but have also faced some tough challenges. After the surprising defeat to West Ham, the Black Cats redeemed themselves by comfortably defeating under-pressure Burnley. Next was a trip to the Emirates to face league leaders Arsenal, and even though they were well-organized as usual, the Gunners came away victorious.

Back at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland welcomed defending champions Liverpool, and as expected, they never backed down from the challenge. Having faced intense back-to-back fixtures, Sunderland took on Oxford United in their FA Cup tie, which served as preparation for the challenge that lies ahead against Fulham, as Le Bris will be determined to collect maximum points in front of their own. 

Key Players To Watch

  • Granit Xhaka: Xhaka is the archetype of a modern midfield general. A combative, technically gifted, left-footed midfielder whose presence brings leadership and balance, he has been at the center of Sunderland’s evolution. While not a prolific scorer, his influence in assists and key passes makes him a vital player for the Black Cats. 
  • Enzo Le Fee: Le Fee continues to be a focal point of Sunderland’s attacking creativity, connecting midfield build-up and forward play that often creates opportunities in the final third. With his huge influence in attacking areas, he remains one of Sunderland’s most influential players
  • Bryan Brobbey: As Sunderland's leading goal scorer, Brobbey has established himself as a significant threat in the final third. He blends physicality, positioning, and finishing that causes chaos in and around the box. Whether starting or coming off the bench, his impact and presence are felt. 

Sunderland Team News

Bertrand Traore (knee) could play his first game since returning from AFCON if everything goes to plan. In transfer news, Simon Adingra has left Sunderland to sign for French outfit Monaco on loan until the end of the season.

Fulham Current Form – LLWLW

Marco Silva’s Fulham have become comfortable in their own methods. Built on a well-drilled defensive structure and intelligent use of possession, the Cottagers are a side capable of dictating rhythm while remaining ruthlessly efficient in attack. Whether patiently probing from deep or accelerating sharply in transition, Fulham carries a maturity that often frustrates opponents. 

Form in the last five fixtures for Fulham has been defined by collective performances that display their attacking strength and fine margins, where lapses have proven costly. A late Harry Wilson goal in stoppage time ensured Fulham stole the victory against Brighton, but fell to defeat away to Man United as Benjamin Sesko scored the winning goal after Kevin Santos equalized in stoppage time.

 In a tight, fierce fixture against Everton, the Toffees were the better team in the second half, which resulted in defeat for Fulham. On their travels to the Etihad, Man City made home advantage count by overwhelming Fulham with their immense quality. In the most recent outing, Fulham faced Stoke City in the FA Cup, and with that confidence-boosting performance, Silva will travel north with the desire to leave the Stadium of Light with maximum points.  

Key Players To Watch

  • Kevin Santos: Blessed with natural athleticism and sharp footballing intelligence, Santos has steadily built a reputation as a player capable of influencing matches beyond the obvious moments. His willingness to demand the ball and take risks in the right areas has given Fulham extra bite. 
  • Harry Wilson: Renowned for his cultured left foot and instinct for finding space between the lines, Wilson offers Fulham a constant creative outlet. Whether drifting inside to dictate play, delivering from set-pieces, or striking from distance, his influence extends well beyond raw numbers.    
  • Samuel Chukwueze: Few players can change the complexion of a game in an instant quite like Chukwueze. Electric, unpredictable, and relentlessly direct, the Nigerian winger arrives at this fixture carrying the kind of pace and creativity that can unpick even the most disciplined defences.   

Fulham Team News

Rodrigo Muniz, Sasa Lukic, and new signing Oscar Bobb have all been out with hamstring injuries, but could all be back in the matchday squad if everything works out and are deemed fit to participate in this fixture.

Predicted Line-Up

  1. Sunderland: 4-2-3-1
    Roefs, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo, Xhaka, Sadiki, Diarra, Le Fee, Talbi, Brobbey

  2. Fulham: 4-2-3-1
    Leno, Castagne, Anderson, Cuenca, Robinson, Iwobi, Berge, Wilson, Chukwueze, Santos, Jimenez 

Suggested Bets

Take advantage of a generous welcome bonus to maximize your returns and elevate your betting experience. 

  1. Sunderland To Win: Sunderland have been tough to break down on their own turf and have often come away with a positive result, making them favourites for the win. 8/5 (2.60) with Betway.

  2. Both Teams To Score (Yes): Both teams are capable of creating opportunities from open play and are equally as good during set-pieces. 89/100 (1.89) with Unibet.

  3. Total (Over 2.5): Both teams will want to come away with the victory, expect goals on the day. 109/100 (2.09) with William Hill.

Value Bets

Boost your chances with informed betting tips and uncover potential wins with these carefully selected value bets. 

  1. Second Half – Both Teams To Score (Yes): While the first half may be a tactical battle and not many scoring opportunities, both teams will want to impose themselves after the break. 51/20 (3.55) with Midnite.

  2. Any Time Gola Scorer (Bryan Brobbey): Brobbey’s robust, energetic style will cause Fulham’s defence endless trouble on the day. 19/10 (2.90) with BetMGM. 

  3. Player Shots On Goal (Harry Wilson): Wilson is very decisive in the final third and usually finds himself in areas to either get shots off or create opportunities. 8/5 (2.30) with Betfred. 

Prediction: Sunderland to Win

Despite the records behind this fixture, Sunderland are the favourites to come away victorious, and rightfully so, as they have been exceptional at the Stadium of Light. Even though Fulham may pose a threat and have shown their ability to step up when needed, the Black Cats will make home advantage count.

Marc Strydom
Marc StrydomSports Writer

A dedicated sports lover with a wealth of experience in the sports betting world, Marc Strydom has mostly worked as an Editor-in-chief of a sports betting newspaper in South Africa. Marc’s enthusiasm covers many sports, though he is most passionate about football and the NBA. He has covered a wide range of topics on multiple respected platforms.

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