Sunderland come into this one with a point to prove after that opening-day defeat at Ipswich. Le Bris’s side were edged out in a tight season-opener, but the signs were there — this is a squad with real continuity from last season, and the manager has made it clear the starting XI has a very familiar look. That continuity matters. Newly promoted sides usually scramble for identity; Sunderland already have theirs. Nilson Angulo, Trai Hume, Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki all look set to feature after key roles in that Ipswich loss, and with Nordi Mukiele, Omar Alderete and Meunier all recovered from minor knocks, Le Bris has options. Only Simon Adingra is missing, and that ankle injury is a blow, but it’s not a crippling one.

Fulham, meanwhile, are in transition. Álvaro Arbeloa has taken over, and there’s a new tactical identity being built. They lost the west London derby to Chelsea, and while that’s no disgrace, the performance raised questions. The predicted lineup — Leno; Castagne, Cuenca, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Iwobi; Bobb, Palacios, King; García — has quality, but it’s a side still learning each other’s movements. Joachim Andersen’s suspension from last season carries over, which weakens their defensive spine. Fulham also face a brutal run ahead: Palace, Liverpool, Manchester United, Ipswich. This is a game they’ll want to win, but they’re not yet a cohesive unit. Sunderland, at home, with a settled side and a point to prove — that’s a dangerous combination.