Preview: Sunderland vs. Fulham

Sunderland begin their Premier League campaign at the Stadium of Light when they welcome Martin Jol's Fulham side on Saturday.

The Black Cats, now under the stewardship of Paolo Di Canio, have added no fewer than nine new signings to their squad this summer, while the Italian has also released a number of bit-part players from the previous season.

Fulham have also been busy in the transfer market thus far, but Jol has also been linked with a move for Aston Villa forward Darren Bent ahead of the opening game of the season.

The corresponding fixture between these two sides ended in a 2-2 draw in March, but Sunderland were 3-1 winners at Craven Cottage in November 2012.

Sunderland could welcome Wes Brown back into the centre of their defence, while there are also expected to be starts for summer signings Emanuele Giaccherini and Jozy Altidore.

Top scorer from last season Steven Fletcher has stepped up his recovery for the home side, but the Scot is not expected to be fit until at least September following ankle ligament damage.

Alex Kacaniklic will not be fit to take part for Fulham, meanwhile, but Adel Taarabt is expected to make his debut in an advanced position.

The London outfit should also have a number of new signings in their first XI, meanwhile, with Maarten Stekelenburg and Fernando Amorebieta coming into the side.

Possible lineups:

Sunderland: Mannone; O'Shea, Celustka, Brown, Bardsley; Giaccherini, Colback, Larsson, Johnson; Sessegnon, Altidore

Fulham: Stekelenburg; Riether, Amorebieta, Hangeland, Riise; Sidwell, Dejagah, Boateng; Taarabt, Berbatov, Ruiz

Sports Mole says: 2-1