Alderete To Start? | Predicted 3-4-3 Sunderland Lineup To Face Fulham | OneFootball

After an eventful international break, club football is set to resume this weekend across the globe. Sunderland, who are enjoying an incredible run upon their return to the Premier League, will visit Craven Cottage to lock horns with Fulham on Saturday afternoon.

The Black Cats have been unbeaten so far against the London outfits, including a comeback win against Chelsea, followed by a last-gasp draw with Arsenal. Meanwhile, the Cottagers are struggling at the wrong end of the standings, as they lost five and only defeated bottom-placed Wolves in their last six Premier League outings. Despite criticising the board for a ‘passive’ summer window, Marco Silva has been offered a new contract beyond this season. However, it remains to be seen whether the West Londoners turn things around and climb up the league ladder with a victory against the fourth-placed Wearsiders.

Predicted 3-4-3 Sunderland Lineup To Face Fulham

Defence

Sunderland have roped in an array of new names to bolster themselves across the pitch. Summer signing Robin Roefs has replaced Anthony Patterson as the new ‘number 1’, and the young Dutchman should keep his spot, having shown promise in English football.

Regis Le Bris is flexible with his formation, often switching between a defensive 5-4-1 and an attacking 3-4-3 during transitions. Although Lutsharel Geertruida stepped in and delivered against the Gunners, the potential availability of Omar Alderete might see the Dutchman make way in favour of the Paraguayan. Nordi Mukiele has been exquisite in deep defence, and so is Daniel Ballard, being the only centre-half from last season to retain his starting status in the heart of the backline.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 08: Brian Brobbey of Sunderland scores his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Arsenal at the Stadium of Light on November 08, 2025 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Trai Hume has impressed from the right, as he balanced his game between attack and defence. Reinildo, the former Atletico Madrid left-back, remains the preferred option down the left due to his experience of the highest order. Habib Diarra has been sidelined for months with a groin strain, but Noah Sadiki, the 20-year-old Congolese sensation, has partnered with Granit Xhaka in the centre of the pitch. The blend of youth and experience has enriched the Black Cats with technical expertise, creative spark and vision.

Attack

Enzo Le Fee has not produced great numbers while featuring from the left. But his work ethic and flexibility enable Le Bris to tweak his setup and tactics. Brian Brobbey has made a difference from the bench against Chelsea and Arsenal, but the gaffer should stick with Wilson Isidor as his first-choice ‘number 9’. Chemsdine Talbi is expected to reclaim his place down the right, replacing Bertrand Traore. Besides Brobbey and Traore, Eliezer Mayenda and Simon Adingra could also be deployed as ‘super subs’.