Sunderland is set to host Fulham in a Premier League match on Sunday, February 22, at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland, currently 11th with 36 points, is nine points shy of a European spot with 12 games remaining. Their long unbeaten home run recently ended with a 1-0 loss to Liverpool. Historically, Sunderland has struggled against Fulham at home, not securing a win since 2009 and failing to score in four of their last five Premier League home encounters against them. Fulham, sitting 12th with 34 points, enters the match in poor Premier League form, having lost three consecutive games against Manchester United, Everton, and Manchester City. However, an FA Cup victory over Stoke City recently broke their losing streak. Fulham remains unbeaten in their last four meetings with Sunderland, including a 1-0 win in the reverse fixture in November. Despite their attacking quality on the road, Fulham has only managed one clean sheet in their last ten away games. For Sunderland, manager Regis Le Bris will see the return of Granit Xhaka to contention, a significant boost, though Reinildo will be out for several weeks due to injury. The predicted starting XI for Sunderland includes Robin Roefs in goal; Nordi Mukiele, Dan Ballard, Omar Alderete, and Dennis Cirkin in defense; Granit Xhaka, Habib Diarra, Enzo Le Fee, Noah Sadiki, and Chemsdine Talbi in midfield; and Brian Brobbey leading the attack. Fulham's manager, Marco Silva, has emphasized his enduring intensity and the "huge transformation" at the club, as the Cottagers aim for success in both the Premier League and FA Cup. The match is predicted to end in a 1-1 draw.