It looks as though something has to give on Saturday when Sunderland take on Fulham at The Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats are heading for an instant return to The Championship and have yet to win a home game all season, a dismal record no side has managed in the history of top-flight English football.

Caretaker boss Kevin Ball will see the visit of Fulham, the only Premiership team without an away win, as the ideal opportunity to finally give the home supporters something to cheer.

The 2-2 draw at Everton last weekend was encouraging but there are several injury worries for Ball to deal with when tackling one of his former clubs. A freak accident at home for Kevin Kyle, when he was painfully scalded by hot water, is likely to rule the big Scottish striker out of contention.

Steve Caldwell, Julio Arca and Stephen Elliott are all doubtful due to hamstring injuries and Nyron Nosworthy has a dead leg.

Tommy Miller is struggling to be fit and Ball will have to make a late check on the situation of a number of his players before settling on his line-up.

Fulham have been boosted by the news that influential midfielder Papa Bouba Diop has signed a new deal at Craven Cottage. The Senegal international is set to return on Saturday after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Antti Niemi is also expected to be fit, and should displace Mark Crossley in goal, but Michael Brown is out through suspension after a tackle on Sean Davis last weekend. 

Claus Jensen played an hour for the reserves against Watford in midweek but is unlikely to be rushed back. Simon Elliott is fit but Mark Pembridge and Ian Pearce are carrying injuries.