Paul Merson and Chris Sutton agree on outcome of Sunderland clash vs 'funny' Fulham amid 'big miss' claim
Sunderland host Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
Paul Merson and Chris Sutton have both predicted a 1-1 draw between Sunderland and Fulham when the two sides play each on Wearside this weekend.
The Black Cats host the Cottagers at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon, and will be eager to return to winning ways in the Premier League after losing consecutive top flight outings to Arsenal and Liverpool in recent weeks.
For their part, Fulham have also had to endure a downturn in form of late, and are currently in the midst of a run of four defeats in their last five league fixtures, including a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City last Wednesday.
Marco Silva's men did, however, beat Sunderland when the two sides met at Craven Cottage earlier in the campaign, sealing all three points in the closing moments of a tight encounter thanks to a late Raul Jimenez strike.
What has Paul Merson said about Sunderland vs Fulham?
Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson said: "Sunderland got well beat by Liverpool, but managed to get back on track with a win in the FA Cup. When I look at their opponents this weekend, they face a funny team.
"Fulham had good chances against Manchester City, but lost. Dominated Everton and lost. They also lost to Manchester United in the last minute after coming back from 2-0 down! So Fulham are not a bad team, it's just that the results are not coming from them.
"Sunderland will be affected by that loss to Liverpool. It was the first time they got destroyed at home this season. They are missing Granit Xhaka in midfield. Sunderland struggle to keep the ball without Xhaka and he's been a big miss for them. I expect a draw here." The pundit has predicted a 1-1 draw.
What has Chris Sutton said about Sunderland vs Fulham?
Speaking to BBC Sport, Sutton agreed with Merson's forecast of a 1-1 draw, stating: "Sunderland's form has dropped off a little bit in recent weeks but they have still had a phenomenal season and are probably safe already on 36 points - now they just have to see it through.
"It will be interesting to see how Regis Le Bris's side respond to their first home defeat of the season, but Fulham are hardly on a great run either with three straight league losses. Marco Silva's side beat the Black Cats at Craven Cottage in November, and will leapfrog them in the table if they win this time too - but I don't think that will happen."
https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/paul-merson-chris-sutton-sunderland-fulham-5605017
"Shame" – Fulham player opens up on transfer threat, wanted to stay
Fulham's Kenny Tete has expressed his disappointment over Ajax forcing him out of the club.
The Dutchman has been speaking to Viaplay and Soccer News have relayed his comments on the transfer threat.
Tete joined Fulham from Lyon in September 2020, when Scott Parker was in charge at the London club.
Tete played 140 matches for Marco Silva's side. Last summer, he agreed to join Everton while Ajax reportedly showed interest in him. However, a move never took shape and he's still at Fulham.
Fulham player didn't want Ajax exit
Lyon signed the right-back from Ajax in 2017, and the Fulham man now admits he had no plans to leave the Eredivisie side.
The 30-year-old joined the Dutch club's academy in 2005 and climbed through their tanks before making his way to the first team in 2013.
He made 55 appearances for Ajax's senior team, mainly as a right sided defender and at times in other positions.
Peter Bosz was then the manager of the Dutch club and didn't utilise Tete regularly during the 2016/17 season. To put it in context, he played 450 minutes from five league matches for Ajax.
Marcel Keizer replaced Bosz at the start of the 2017/18 season, when the current Fulham player had less than a year left on his contract.
Transfer threat for Fulham player
Tete opens up on Keizer's threat, which made him reconsider his position. He ended up joining the French club before leaving them for the Premier League side in 2020.
"I didn't want to renew my contract because I wasn't playing. And then Bosz suddenly left," he said.
"He [Keizer] then said to me: Kenny, we've sold you. I think it was to Galatasaray [he left for Lyon] Do you want to finish your transfer quietly or are you going to train with Jong Ajax?
"Then I thought: what? I can't just hang around in the last year of my contract and see what happens? Or maybe a breath of fresh air will come, someone who sees potential in me?"
Soccer News claim the fullback 'didn't want to leave Ajax at all' but now understands their decision.
"Ultimately, Ajax is a business too, you know. At least the club gets something out of it. I thought it was a shame, but it was nice and clear, and I like that. No beating around the bush, no fuss. Then I can move on," Tete explained.
"I really liked that. At that moment, I was sad, of course. Okay, after those eleven years, I thought... But it's a tough world. It was a business decision, and that's how I have to approach it sometimes. It is what it is."
https://sportwitness.co.uk/shame-fulham-player-opens-up-on-transfer-threat-wanted-to-stay/
Aston Villa target free summer transfer for Fulham star
Harry Wilson will be targeted by a number of clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, including Aston Villa
Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Harry Wilson on a free transfer this summer.
The Fulham winger is out of contract at the end of the season, with several clubs monitoring his situation.
Fulham still hope to tie the 28-year-old down to a new deal, but the lure of playing European football elsewhere could prove decisive.
Villa have been keen on Wilson for months and assessed the possibility of pursuing him in January, when it would have been Fulham's final opportunity to command a transfer fee unless he signed a new contract.
According to The Telegraph, Villa are among the leading clubs tracking Wilson as he enters the final months of his deal at Craven Cottage.
The Wales international has enjoyed an excellent campaign, registering 12 goal contributions in 25 Premier League appearances.
He has scored nine goals across all competitions, eight of which have come in the Premier League - making this his most productive top-flight season to date.
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-target-free-summer-33458490
The Riverside Shortlisted for Major Industry Award
The Club is delighted to announce that The Riverside has been shortlisted for the Hospitality & Experience Award at the 25th Sport Industry Awards, taking place on Thursday 30th April at Evolution London.
This nomination recognises the Club's ambition to redefine the matchday experience at Craven Cottage — combining world-class service, premium hospitality innovation and the timeless character of one of football's most iconic venues.
The Riverside is shortlisted alongside a strong field of industry innovators, including Brighton & Hove Albion's Tunnel Club and The Football Association's Lionesses HQ and Fan Walks.
This latest shortlist builds on a series of recent award successes for the Club's landmark development. In recent months Fulham Pier / Riverside Stand has won three awards in the following categories:
Winners of the 2025 Sports Business Award for Outstanding Sports Venue Experience.
Best New or Refurbished Venue at the London Venue & Catering awards.
Winner of the Hospitality & Premium award at the Stadium Design Summit.
For more information of the nomination head to the Sport Industry Awards website.
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/february/20/fulham-fc-shortlisted-for-major-industry-award/
Club Asked About Star Fulham Keen To Keep
Juventus recently enquired about Fulham star Ryan Sessegnon, as the Cottagers look to keep hold of him beyond the summer.
Galatasaray's 5-2 drubbing of Juventus in the first leg of the Champions League knockout playoff earlier this week might have come as a rude awakening for the Bianconeri.
Not only was it only the second time that Juventus conceded five or more goals in Europe, the result means that Luciano Spalletti's side could see their Champions League campaign end early.
The possibility will come as a body blow for Juventus, who have been slower to recover from the Covid period financially, being already amidst a wider footballing world that has struggled to keep apace with the Premier League juggernaut.
Juventus were also found to have to breached the UEFA Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play regulations in 2023, and their books will remain under the scanner through the 2025 financial year.
Subsequently, Juventus have tried to be more prudent with their spending, with their biggest outlay for last summer being the €15m they spent on Edon Zhegrova from Lille, while they also brought in his club-mate Jonathan David, who had been linked with Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, on a free transfer.
Juventus are looking to continue their prudent approach to incomings and have been linked with Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi on a Bosman deal.
It has now emerged that they have also enquired about Sessegnon, with the Englishman's contract expiring in June, according to Italian journalist Mirko Di Natale.
Fulham though, have an option to extend Sessegnon's contract by a year, and are said to be in discussions with the player about activating it.
Juventus were linked with Sessegnon in 2024 too, but the versatile player had indicated a desire to stay in the Premier League, before ultimately rejoining Fulham.
Sessegnon has predominantly been deployed at left-back this campaign, compared to being utilised in more attacking areas last season.
Fulham have a glut of contractual decisions to make ahead of the summer and will have to decide if Samuel Chukwueze and Jonah Kusi-Asare's loan deals are to be made permanent.
Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez, two of the strongest performers for the Cottagers this campaign, also see their contracts ending in the summer
Leeds United have been credited with an interest in Wilson again, after failing to convince Fulham to sell him on deadline day last summer.
Fulham are within touching distance of finishing amongst the European spots and Marco Silva will be targeting a strong finish to the season, hoping that contract negotiations do not prove to be too big a distraction.
https://insidefutbol.com/2026/02/20/club-asked-about-star-fulham-keen-to-keep/706759/
Sources: Fulham and Leeds in race to sign Hayden Hackney
Fulham are one of a number of Premier League sides that are eyeing a move to sign Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney this summer.
Hackney has been a key man for Boro over the last few seasons, and Fulham are the latest club to register their interest in his services, alongside the likes of Man United, Leeds and Everton.
Middlesbrough are currently sitting second in the Championship table as they battle to return to the Premier League, but failure to do so could see Hackney move on ahead of next term.
The England youth international came close to joining Ipswich Town last summer, but instead chose to stay at his boyhood club.
He has been one of the best midfielders in the second tier this season, with several top-flight clubs ready to pounce if he becomes available in the summer, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast.
Fulham tracking Hayden Hackney as Middlesbrough exit touted
Hackney is close to reaching 150 appearances for Boro since his senior debut in 2021, with five goals and assists each in 34 appearances from central midfield this season.
The 23-year-old could help his boyhood side back into the top-flight this season, but it looks like he will be playing Premier League football next term regardless of whether that happens.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Hayden Hackney's future is going to be the subject of intense speculation again this summer.
"It was last summer, when he came very close to leaving Middlesbrough before he eventually turned down a move to Ipswich.
"There were a number of clubs looking at him, but Middlesbrough did really well to keep hold of him, and they've been really rewarded because Hackney's been the driving force behind their promotion bid to the Premier League.
"Middlesbrough won't want to lose Hackney. If they were to win promotion to the Premier League, then they would be quite hopeful that they could keep hold of the England Under-21 midfielder.
"If they don't win promotion to the Premier League, it's going to be a real hard battle to keep hold of him. You'll have Leeds, a lot of other Premier League clubs, (such as) Everton, like Hayden Hackney.
"There's even been talk that Manchester United could be interested...Fulham are admirers of the player as well."
https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-fulham-and-leeds-in-race-to-sign-hayden-hackney/
Man Utd could face Hayden Hackney blow as Fulham and Leeds United update emerges
Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney is continuing to emerge as a hot property ahead of this summer's transfer window.
The Boro man has been one of the standout stars in the Championship and has been a key reason to why the Teesside outfit have a strong chance of sealing promotion back to the big time.
Hackney's presence in the Boro engine room and ability to influence games week in, week out, has left him a top-flight player in waiting, with more Premier League big-hitters registering an interest in securing his services in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The England youth international has flirted with the idea of leaving Middlesbrough in the past, coming close to joining Ipswich Town last summer, but decided to remain loyal to his boyhood club.
But Boro will have a fight on their hands to retain Hackney as Premier League heavyweights continue to test their resolve, and there may be one outcome that would see them part ways with one of their own.
Leeds United and Fulham enter battle for Hayden Hackney
As per a report from Football Insider, journalist Pete O'Rourke has confirmed that Leeds United and Fulham are the latest Premier League teams to join the race to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.
After turning down the opportunity to join Ipswich Town last summer, top-flight giants Manchester United have been linked with luring him to Old Trafford this week, but the Red Devils could have a fight on their hands over this latest update.
And it appears that the only way Middlesbrough will be able to fend off the interest is by getting back to the big time themselves.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, O'Rourke said: "Hayden Hackney's future is going to be the subject of intense speculation again this summer.
"It was last summer, when he came very close to leaving Middlesbrough before he eventually turned down a move to Ipswich.
"There were a number of clubs looking at him, but Middlesbrough did really well to keep hold of him, and they've been really rewarded because Hackney's been the driving force behind their promotion bid to the Premier League.
"Middlesbrough won't want to lose Hackney. If they were to win promotion to the Premier League, then they would be quite hopeful that they could keep hold of the England Under-21 midfielder.
"If they don't win promotion to the Premier League, it's going to be a real hard battle to keep hold of him. You'll have Leeds, a lot of other Premier League clubs, (such as) Everton, like Hayden Hackney.
"There's even been talk that Manchester United could be interested...Fulham are admirers of the player as well."
Middlesbrough have one job to secure Hayden Hackney's future
As expected, the speculation is continuing to ramp up regarding Hayden Hackney, and there's only a matter of time before Middlesbrough relent and sanction his exit from the Riverside Stadium.
The deal will only accelerate if Middlesbrough remain a Championship side next season, so they have to ensure they get over the line and get back to the top-flight in order to have the best possible chance of keeping hold of him.
While you would back Hackney to stay loyal and represent his club in the Premier League, opportunities to play for the likes of Manchester United may never come around again, so it will be intriguing to see what his decision will be in the near future.
But Boro have to give him that choice by being a Premier League team themselves, as if they remain in the second-tier, an exit looks inevitable.
It's vital Middlesbrough achieve their quest of gaining promotion, as they potentially could still feel the impact of Hackney in their midfield for years to come by achieving this feat.
https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/man-utd-face-hayden-hackney-blow-fulham-leeds-united-update/
Matchday Preview: Sunderland🆚 Sunderland
🏟 Stadium of Light
🏆 Premier League
🗓 Sunday 22nd February
⏰ 2pm
The opposition
Last season's Championship Play-Off winners Sunderland have enjoyed a fantastic return to the top flight, and currently have two more points than Fulham – a return that has them sitting one spot above us in 11th. We will have to be at our best to claim all three points on Sunday, as their home form has been excellent all season – up until the previous Premier League round of fixtures when they were narrowly beaten by Liverpool, they were the division's only undefeated side on home soil.
Team news
🐈⬛ Granit Xhaka and Bertrand Traore will be absent with ankle and knee injuries, respectively.
💚 Saša Lukić and Tom Cairney are back in training. Samuel Chukwueze picked up a knock to his calf after the Manchester City game and will be unavailable.
Tickets
Tickets remain available to buy until 4pm on Friday.
Kits
Fulham will be in all green on Sunday.
(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/1400x1400/73024e30-0da2-11f1-bc38-df874c9de31d.png)
Travel disruption
Rail services between London King's Cross and the North East will be severely impacted by major upgrade work taking place on the East Coast Main Line this weekend.
Advanced search policy
Fans are advised to familiarise themselves with the advanced search policy that will be in operation at the Stadium of Light.
Weather
⛅️ Sunny intervals and highs of 11 degrees are forecast in Sunderland on Sunday.
Coverage
FFCtv subscribers can listen to commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid, while the match will also be broadcast on Sky Sports. Overseas supporters can see who is showing the game in your region at this page.
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/february/20/matchday-preview-sunderland/
Silva and Fulham 'aligned' in talks over new deal
Marco Silva insists he and the Fulham hierarchy are "aligned" in their discussions about his future.
The head coach's contract at Craven Cottage expires this summer and he has been in talks about a new deal.
"We are aligned. We've been having conversations about many, many things – the future of the club," said Silva
"For sure my position is one of them and we have been in conversations, right now is what I can say."
Fulham's director of football Tony Khan told Talksport earlier this week he is confident Silva will stay.
"I absolutely want Marco to be here for a long time, and I think he will be. I believe that," said Khan.
Meanwhile, Sasa Lukic and Tom Cairney could return for Fulham against Sunderland on Sunday, but Samuel Chukwueze will miss the game
https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-and-fulham-aligned-in-talks-over-new-deal
Pre-Sunderland Press Conference
Marco Silva talked to the press ahead of Fulham's trip to the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have had a strong return to the Premier League and, having only lost once at home all season, Silva knows a tough challenge awaits his side on Sunday.
"We have to be at our best level. We were the better side against them at the Cottage (1-0 win, November), but they are a solid side and it's going to be tough.
"We should enjoy playing in these types of stadiums, it's a test to see how capable we are in these types of environments.
"We want to win. Our ambition is to go to a tough place and show quality. Fulham, at our best level, will be able to win the game."
With just 12 Premier League games left to go, the importance of a strong finish isn't lost on the boss.
"I really believe that the more you come to the final stages of the season, the more finals there are to play.
"All the points are crucial to fight for. Everything is more decisive. We have to be ready for it. Another challenge on Sunday.
"The fans are going to support the team and we want to make them proud. This is why we work hard."
This trip comes after progressing in the Emirates FA Cup last week, with Silva's side securing a 2-1 victory at Stoke City.
"The team responded very well against Stoke (from three Premier League defeats).
"For not one second is it the second team (when questioned on the 10 changes to the starting XI). We played a team that is capable to start a Premier League game. The players did an amazing job."
The manager also provided an update on the current injury list in his squad.
"Saša Lukić and Tom Cairney are back training. For one of them, it will be too soon. Samuel Chukwueze is going to be out, he picked up a knock to his calf after the Manchester City game."
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/february/20/pre-sunderland-press-conference/
Fulham duo could return at Sunderland but Chukwueze is ruled out
Sasa Lukic and Tom Cairney could return for Fulham against Sunderland on Sunday, but Samuel Chukwueze will miss the game.
Lukic and club captain Cairney are back in training following their respective injuries.
But boss Marco Silva revealed on Friday afternoon that Chukwueze is unavailable this weekend because of a minor calf problem. The winger is expected to resume training next week.
Silva was again quizzed about his own future and the possibility of him signing a new contract.
His current contract expires this summer and he has been in talks about a new deal.
"We are aligned. We've been having conversations about many, many things – the future of the club," said Silva
"For sure my position is one of them and we have been in conversations, right now is what I can say."
Fulham's director of football Tony Khan told Talksport earlier this week he is confident Silva will stay.
"I absolutely want Marco to be here for a long time, and I think he will be. I believe that," said Khan.
https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-duo-could-return-at-sunderland-but-chukwueze-is-ruled-out
'Not a coincidence' - Fulham boss Marco Silva issues detailed verdict on Sunderland home record and support
Fulham travel to Wearside to take on Sunderland this weekend.
Fulham boss Marco Silva has admitted that he is expecting a tough test when he takes his side to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland on Sunday afternoon.
The Black Cats are aiming to return to winning ways after losing consecutive Premier League fixtures for the first time this season in recent defeats against Arsenal and Liverpool, and will also be looking to bounce back after suffering a first loss on home soil this term against the defending champions.
But while Silva was full of praise for Sunderland during a pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, he is firmly of the belief that his team have what it takes to beat their hosts for a second time this term at the weekend.
What did Fulham boss Marco Silva say about Sunderland?
He said: "[It won't be easy] At all. Their home record... I know that they lost the last game and Liverpool broke that brilliant, brilliant run from them at home, that is true, but it's not a coincidence that before the Liverpool game they were the only team in the Premier League without a defeat at home. Just shows how brilliant they have been at home.
"As you mentioned, it's always a tough place to go, but I prefer to look at it in a different way. First of all, their quality - good side. Collective point of view, very good manager. Individual point of view, very physical side, capable of playing good football as well, but in some moments physical enough in the other part of the game to be very aggressive... in a good way of course. Set pieces, on and off the ball, very aggressive side too.
"And of course with great home support. That is, I would think, a good place to play football, with great home support. The way I look at it, I really enjoy this type of challenge, and I like to see my players do it in the same way. The support is going to be incredible there. Our fans are going to be there in a good number, for sure, on a tough, long journey. But these are the moments that you have to test yourself with these types of crowds behind you, and you have to show the quality, you have to pop up, and from a collective point of view, you have to show your quality. Individual point of view, you have to step up as well."
Looking back on the last meeting between the two sides, which Fulham won 1-0 at Craven Cottage in November, Silva continued: "They are strong. That game was a good example of how you can control a team that can create things in many different ways. It was a game where we were completely in control of the game. I know that we scored a late goal, but we didn't have to score before. It was a game that we controlled very well then. We didn't give anything for them in terms of chances. That showed our capacity, how we were solid in that game, how we kept the focus throughout that game as well.
"Of course, at home the results show clearly that they have been stronger than away, but we are going to need all the characteristics that we showed in the first game at the Cottage against them that gave us the chance to win the game. We have to replicate some of the good things that we did in that game away from home against a side that, with home support, have been showing that they are stronger."
https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/fulham-marco-silva-sunderland-5606377
Fulham lineup vs. Sunderland: Predicted XI for Premier League clash as Samuel Chukwueze chases Haaland-esque goal involvement rate
Fulham head coach Marco Silva is expected to hand Samuel Chukwueze a starting role when the Cottagers travel to the Stadium of Light for Sunday's Premier League clash with Sunderland.
The Nigerian winger has been in scintillating form, averaging a goal contribution every 91 minutes, a rate in the division bettered only by Erling Haaland.
While Silva has a relatively healthy squad, the West London side will likely be without Sasa Lukic and Tom Cairney due to thigh and calf injuries respectively, meaning Sander Berge and Alex Iwobi are poised to anchor the midfield.
Bernd Leno will retain his spot between the sticks behind a defensive line featuring Timothy Castagne and Ryan Sessegnon in the full-back positions, while Joachim Andersen and Calvin Bassey continue their partnership at the heart of the back four.
In the final third, the creative burden will fall on Emile Smith Rowe and Harry Wilson, the latter of whom leads the team with five game-clinching strikes this term.
They will provide the ammunition for central striker Raul Jimenez, who netted the winner in the reverse fixture and now aims to score in consecutive games against the Black Cats for the first time.
Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon; Iwobi, Berge; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Chukwueze; Jimenez
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/predicted-lineups/chukwueze-to-extend-haaland-chasing-form-predicted-fulham-xi-vs-sunderland_592442.html