Fulham vs Southampton Preview: Team News, Predicted Lineups and Score Prediction
10th-placed Fulham host bottom-of-the-table Southampton at Craven Cottage on Sunday, December 22nd at 14:00 GMT, in a Premier League clash that sees the home side looking to maintain their impressive form, while the visitors are desperate for a change in fortunes.
Fulham vs Southampton Form
Fulham currently sit in 10th place in the league standings, a testament to their strong performances this season. Their recent form has been solid, with three draws and two wins in their last six league games. In contrast, Southampton are struggling, languishing at the bottom of the table. They have lost five of their last six league matches, and have been losing at both half time and full time in their last three games. The recent history between the two sides shows a slight advantage for Southampton, who have won three of the last six meetings, while Fulham have won two and one match ended in a draw.
Fulham vs Southampton Predicted Lineups and Team News
Fulham XI (4-2-3-1): B. Leno; A. Robinson, J. Cuenca, I. Diop, T. Castagne; S. Berge, S. Lukic; A. Iwobi, E. S. Rowe, H. Wilson; R. Muniz.
Fulham will be without several players for this match. Reed, Andersen, and Nelson are sidelined with injuries, while Tete is doubtful. Pereira is suspended due to yellow card accumulation.
Southampton XI (3-4-1-2): A. McCarthy; N. Wood, J. Bednarek, T. Harwood-Bellis; R. Manning, F. Downes, M. Fernandes, Y. Sugawara; T. Dibling; P. Onuachu, A. Armstrong.
Southampton's injury list is also significant, with Bazunu, Stewart, Smallbone and Larios all ruled out. Walker-Peters and Ramsdale are doubtful, and Stephens is suspended.
Fulham vs Southampton Tactical Analysis
Fulham's tactical approach is characterised by attacking down the wings and creating chances with through balls. They often attempt crosses and play with width, making them a dangerous offensive threat. However, they have shown a weakness in protecting a lead and defending against long shots.
Southampton, on the other hand, focus on possession football, attacking down the right and using short passes. However, they have numerous weaknesses including finishing scoring chances, defending against skilful players, aerial duels, and defending set pieces and through balls. Their vulnerabilities could be exploited by the home side's attacking style.
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Fulham vs Southampton Key Battle: Alex Iwobi vs Ryan Manning
A key battle in this match will be between Fulham's attacking midfielder, Alex Iwobi, and Southampton's left wing-back, Ryan Manning. Iwobi's ability to create chances and exploit spaces will test Manning's defensive capabilities. Manning will need to be disciplined and organised to contain Iwobi's threat and prevent him from creating opportunities for his teammates.
Fulham vs Southampton Prediction
Fulham's home form is strong, having won four and drawn two of their eight games at Craven Cottage this season. The home side also have a superior recent record compared to their opponents. Southampton, on the other hand, are in disarray, having recently changed manager after a heavy defeat.
While they showed some fight in their recent EFL Cup game against Liverpool, their overall form and numerous absences make it hard to see them getting a result here. With Fulham's attacking prowess and Southampton's defensive vulnerabilities, the home side are likely to take advantage. Therefore, a 2-1 Fulham victory is the most likely outcome.
