Fulham lineup vs. Sunderland: Predicted XI for Premier League clash as Samuel Chukwueze unable to improve Haaland-esque goal involvement rate

Fulham head coach Marco Silva was expected to hand Samuel Chukwueze a starting role when the Cottagers travel to the Stadium of Light for Sunday's Premier League clash with Sunderland.

The Nigerian winger has been in scintillating form, averaging a goal contribution every 91 minutes, a rate in the division bettered only by Erling Haaland; however, a calf problem means he will miss the 27th round.

While Silva still has a relatively healthy squad outside of Chukwueze, the West London side will likely be without Sasa Lukic and Tom Cairney due to thigh and calf injuries, respectively, meaning Sander Berge and Alex Iwobi are poised to anchor the midfield.

Bernd Leno will retain his spot between the sticks behind a defensive line featuring Timothy Castagne and Ryan Sessegnon in the full-back positions, while Joachim Andersen and Calvin Bassey continue their partnership at the heart of the back four.

In the final third, the creative burden will fall on Kevin, Emile Smith Rowe and Harry Wilson, the latter of whom leads the team with five game-clinching strikes this term.

They will provide the ammunition for central striker Raul Jimenez, who netted the winner in the reverse fixture and now aims to score in consecutive games against the Black Cats for the first time.

Fulham possible starting lineup:

Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon; Iwobi, Berge; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin; Jimenez

> Click here to see how Sunderland could line up for this game