Sunderland manager Steve Bruce enjoyed a much-needed win against one of his former clubs last weekend; now he is hoping for another by getting the better of one of his former team-mates.
Fulham manager Mark Hughes might have something to say about that - his teams have been unbeaten the last three times the managers have met - although his last victory was somewhat bitter-sweet as he was sacked by Manchester City a couple of hours after they beat Sunderland 4-3 in 2009.
A first win in 10 games should be enough to ensure Sunderland's safety but Bruce will be keen to keep up the winning momentum to ensure a top-half finish.
Hughes has a similar aim, saying after Fulham's midweek win over Bolton that the Cottagers "deserve to be in the top 10" - another victory over his former captain would be a major step towards achieving that aim.
- Sunderland have failed to score in four of their last five Premier League matches against Fulham, including the last three.
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Fulham's only victory in the last eight Premier League matches against Sunderland was 1-0 at home last season.
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Sunderland's victory over Wigan last weekend was their first win in 10 league games.
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The Black Cats have conceded at least twice in each of their last five matches.
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This will be Steve Bruce's 300th Premier League match as a manager. He will be the ninth manager to reach this milestone.
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Fulham have not won any of their eight away league matches in 2011 - and have only won one of their last 35 away league matches.
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Fulham are the only Premier League club yet to concede a goal from a penalty this season. The only one they gave away was missed by Manchester United's Nani back in August.
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Damien Duff is one goal away from scoring 50 in the Premier League while Andrew Johnson and Danny Murphy are two short of the half-century.
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Jonathan Greening has made 249 career Premier League appearances.
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Sunderland - Leading goalscorers
Gyan: 11 goals (10 league); Welbeck: 6 goals (6 league)
NB. Darren Bent scored 11 goals (8 league) for Sunderland before moving to Aston Villa.
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Fulham - Leading goalscorers
Dempsey: 13 goals (12 league); Zamora: 6 goals (4 league)
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Referee:Martin Atkinson