Match preview: Sunderland v Fulham - Premier League

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at the Stadium of Light

Dimitar Berbatov shoots and scores for Fulham against Stoke (Getty Images)

Sunderland sit just five points above the drop zone and will be desperate to stop a run of three consecutive league defeats against poor travellers Fulham.

Martin Jol’s side have won just twice away from home this term, but will be looking to put that statistic behind them to win back-to-back games for the first time since September.

Dimitar Berbatov, who scored a brilliant volley in their 1-0 win over Stoke, is expected to start for the visitors.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS...

Fulham 1 (Petric) Sunderland 3 (Fletcher, Cuellar, Sessegnon), Premier League, November 2012

Fulham 2 (Dempsey, Dembele) Sunderland 1 (Bardsley), Premier League, May 2012

Sunderland 0 Fulham 0, Premier League, November 2011

STATS...

Sunderland have won only one of the last seven games between the two sides.

Sunderland have scored fewer headed goals than any other team this season (2).

Fulham have not lost this season when Dimitar Berbatov has scored.

Sunderland have failed to score in six of their last nine games against Fulham.

ODDS...

Sunderland to win: 2.44

Fulham to win: 3.35

Draw: 3.35

CLASSIC MOMENT...

Stephane Sessegnon produced a moment of brilliance, unleashing a 25 yard effort that went in off the post to give Sunderland a 3-1 win over ten man Fulham at Craven Cottage earlier this season.

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.25pm, Saturday