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Sunderland’s remarkable start to their Premier League campaign has been one of the season’s biggest surprises, but the optimism on Wearside has taken a hit following a new Opta supercomputer projection.
With the international break nearing its end, the Black Cats are preparing for a difficult trip to Craven Cottage on Saturday, November 22, where they will face a Fulham side looking to climb away from the lower half of the table.
Sunderland Flying High — But Big Test Awaits
Regis Le Bris has led Sunderland to an impressive fourth-place position with 19 points from 11 matches. Their latest result, a 2-2 draw against Arsenal, saw Daniel Ballard open the scoring before Brian Brobbey equalised deep into stoppage time.
Fulham currently sit 15th with 11 points, but their league position does not fully reflect their strong home performances under Marco Silva, who continues to maximise limited resources.
Opta Prediction Dampens Sunderland Optimism
Despite Sunderland’s form, Opta’s analytical model does not favour them in the upcoming match. According to the latest supercomputer projection:
Fulham win probability: 51.6%
Sunderland win probability: 23.8%
Draw probability: 24.6%
These numbers may be disappointing for Sunderland fans, especially considering how impressive the team has been under Le Bris.
Why the Odds Lean Toward Fulham
Opta’s forecast is based on data and performance trends rather than momentum or emotion. Fulham’s strong home record and tactical discipline contribute significantly to the prediction.
Statistically, Sunderland have scored 14 goals and conceded 10 this season, while Fulham have scored 12 and conceded 16. Although this suggests Sunderland are the stronger side overall, Craven Cottage remains a challenging venue.
Can Sunderland Prove the Data Wrong?
Sunderland have already outperformed expectations this season. A win in London would further confirm that their resurgence is real. The question now is whether Opta’s prediction will stand or if Le Bris’s men will once again exceed expectations.
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