Expect Sunderland to line up in their usual 4-2-3-1, with Le Bris favouring a double pivot to protect the back four. Granit Xhaka brings that steel and experience in midfield, while Trai Hume and Noah Sadiki offer energy in wide areas. Nilson Angulo will look to knife through the lines between Fulham's midfield and defence. The absence of Simon Adingra is a blow, but the squad has depth. Fulham, also in a 4-2-3-1, will rely on Bernd Leno in goal and Antonee Robinson's marauding runs from left-back. With Sander Berge and Alex Iwobi in the double pivot, they have physicality but can be caught in transition. The battle will be won in midfield — Xhaka's reading of the game against Fulham's runners. Sunderland will press high, force errors, and feed off the crowd's energy. Fulham will try to play out from the back, but the Stadium of Light noise will rattle them.