Bennette starts: The predicted Sunderland XI to play Fulham in the FA Cup on Saturday | OneFootball

The Black Cats, who have adapted to life back in the second tier very well, sit three places and one point outside of the top six as things stand.

Like Sunderland, the London club are thriving after winning promotion last season. They sit seventh in the Premier League standings and are on the same number of points as Brighton in sixth.

However, form can go out the window in the FA Cup, whilst it could represent an opportunity for both managers to utilise their squads.

But for Black Cats boss Tony Mowbray, who will not have a Championship fixture after this for a week, it is a good chance to continue the momentum with a strong starting XI.

Whilst we wait and see how this clash at Craven Cottage plays out tomorrow afternoon, here, we take a look at how Sunderland could line up during their trip to the nation’s capital…

If it is continuity that Mowbray is after then Anthony Patterson could be named between the sticks, although Alex Bass will be hoping for some minutes.

As for the defence, injuries and a suspension make it hard to stray away from the back four that started against Middlesbrough, with Trai Hume putting in some excellent recent displays.

There are doubts over Aji Alese after the weekend’s clash with Boro, however, if deemed fit, he will likely play.

Corry Evans is now expected to miss the rest of the season in what is a big blow for the Black Cats but it could present an opportunity for Edouard Michut to start, whilst Dan Neill has been fan static recently.

Patrick Roberts’ intelligence and ability to carve out chances will make him a threat against the Cottagers, whilst Amad Diallo has all the confidence in the world at the moment, and it would be no surprise to see the pair retain their places.

Jack Clarke is certainly a difference-maker but Jewison Bennette could be deployed on the left flank to add a different kind of attacking dimension.

Watched by loads of clubs at the minute, Ross Stewart should lead the line and has what is required to cause chaos in the final third.