Sunderland and Manchester United are level at 0-0 after a goalless first half at the Stadium of Light. Joshua Zirkzee received a pass from Bruno Fernandes down the right flank but his subsequent effort lacked conviction and failed to challenge Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs. Mason Mount intervened defensively for United, using his arm to block a Noah Sadiki attempt, though the contact did not prompt a penalty call. Despite United's struggles to create clear opportunities, Sunderland have dominated possession and territory without converting their control into a lead.
At Craven Cottage, Fulham and Bournemouth remain locked at 0-0, though the match took a decisive turn when Bournemouth's Ryan Christie received a red card. His initial yellow for a tackle on Timothy Castagne was upgraded following a VAR review, prompting referee Andy Madley to consult the pitchside monitor before showing the dismissal. Bournemouth are now reduced to 10 men with the score still level. Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz missed the best chance of the game so far, failing to capitalise on a clear opening. Joachim Anderson later met a Harry Wilson cross with a powerful header that struck the woodwork.
In Scotland, Aberdeen took a 1-0 lead over Dundee United through Stuart Armstrong at Pittodrie. Hibernian moved two goals ahead of Falkirk, with Josh Campbell scoring twice, the second coming via a downward header. In the Championship playoff, Middlesbrough and Southampton played out a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their semi-final. Southampton will head into the second leg as favourites despite Boro's strong performance in a match overshadowed by a spying controversy. The League One playoff between Stevenage and Stockport County remains scoreless, with Louie Barry unable to finish a promising counter-attack after Adamah Sidibeh's misplaced pass.
Bournemouth's red card for Ryan Christie shifts the balance in a goalless match, handing Fulham a numerical advantage they have so far failed to exploit. With the score still 0-0, the dismissal places immediate pressure on Bournemouth's defence and opens the possibility of a late Fulham breakthrough. No Nigerian or African players featured in the reported incidents or key moments across the matches.
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