Fulham is currently in 8th place in the Premier League, just one point behind 6th, and still has a solid chance of securing a European spot this season. The team has shown resilience, with only one loss in their last eight league matches, which includes 3 wins and 4 draws.
Their lone defeat was an unexpected 1-4 loss to struggling Wolverhampton, but they quickly recovered with a 1-1 draw at Tottenham and a 3-1 victory over Brighton. Fulham also held their own against top teams, drawing 1-1 with Arsenal and 2-2 with Liverpool last weekend.
In contrast, Southampton is having a tough season, sitting at the bottom of the Premier League with just 5 points from 16 matches. Their hopes of avoiding relegation are slim, as they are 9 points behind safety.
Their only win this season was a 1-0 victory over Everton in early November, but they’ve struggled since, with 1 draw and 5 losses, including heavy defeats to Chelsea (1-5), Aston Villa (0-1), and Tottenham (0-5). This last loss led to the sacking of manager Russell Martin.
For Fulham, they will be without key players, including defender Andersen, winger Nelson, and midfielder Reed. Cairney is also suspended, but they benefit from the return of defender Bassey.
Striker Rodrigo Muniz, who scored in the last match, is expected to be on the bench, with Raul Jimenez likely starting. Winger Iwobi and playmaker Andreas Pereira are both available.
Southampton is also missing several players, including goalkeepers Ramsdale and Bazunu, along with long-term absentees Larios and Smallbone. They will also be without striker Stewart, but Captain Stephens is back from suspension. Southampton’s attack is the worst in the league, and their defense is ranked 19th.
Prediction
Southampton has struggled away from home, earning just one point from 17 attempts and being outscored 12-3. Fulham, with 12 wins in their last 18 home games, is expected to take advantage of Southampton’s poor form. The prediction is a 2-0 victory for Fulham.
