Southampton 1 Sunderland 1: Sam Allardyce admits Sunderland are now effectively fighting for a 17th-place finish in their bid to beat the drop.

Former Sunderland striker Darren Bent had to settle for a place on the bench as his new club Fulham prepared to kick off the new Barclays Premier League season at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio is expected to name the majority of his 10 summer signings in his starting line-up for tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League season opener against Fulham.