Sports activities Mole previews Saturday’s Premier League conflict between Fulham and Southampton, together with predictions, crew information and attainable lineups.
After returning to Premier League motion in contrasting type, mid-table Fulham and rock-bottom Southampton meet at Craven Cottage on New 12 months’s Eve.
Whereas the Cottagers cruised to victory at Crystal Palace of their Boxing Day fixture, Saints slumped to a different top-flight defeat regardless of a change of administration simply earlier than the World Cup break.
Match preview
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Not for the primary time, Fulham talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic was central to gaining three priceless factors for his membership on Monday, when Marco Silva’s aspect put London rivals Crystal Palace to the sword at Selhurst Park.
Nevertheless, it was the Serbian striker’s two assists in a ‘Man of the Match’ efficiency which most caught the attention, because the guests took benefit of a sluggish Palace crew that ended the sport with simply 9 males.
Having arrange strikes for Bobby Decordova-Reid and captain Tim Ream – the latter a scientific half-volley on the flip – Mitrovic later nodded dwelling his tenth Premier League objective since returning to the highest tier in August.
His seamless adaptation mirrors that of his teammates at Craven Cottage this time period, as Fulham have claimed a spot within the prime half of the desk – partly by advantage of an away document which matches Chelsea’s and surpasses that of Liverpool.
Victory on Boxing Day additionally ensured a brilliant begin to the second part of a singular marketing campaign, after dropping to each Manchester golf equipment within the house of per week simply earlier than all eyes turned to Qatar. Now, they finish a profitable yr with a comparatively form dwelling fixture, towards the league’s backside membership.
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Whereas Fulham have stuffed their boots by scoring 27 instances within the Premier League to date, the basis of Southampton’s struggles has been a paltry return of simply 13 targets.
Given such a scarcity of chunk within the remaining third, and a gradual ebbing away of momentum behind his administration of the South Coast membership, Ralph Hasenhuttl made method for former Luton City boss Nathan Jones final month – however the latter’s top-flight debut definitely didn’t go to plan on Boxing Day.
Days after overcoming Lincoln Metropolis within the EFL Cup, Saints discovered themselves two targets down on the interval towards Brighton, and regardless of James Ward-Prowse’s objective halfway by the second half they have been consigned to a 3-1 dwelling defeat.
Because of this, Southampton have misplaced every of their final 4 Premier League fixtures, they usually now go to a venue the place they’ve received solely as soon as of their final 16 league visits – and by no means since 2014.
Together with his aspect sitting twentieth approaching the brand new yr, Jones definitely has his work lower out to assist them keep away from the drop, but they’re nonetheless solely two factors adrift of security amid a congested backside half of the desk.
Any probability of leapfrogging others to flee the underside three earlier than 2023 kicks off rests on Saints successful their remaining match of a calendar yr for the primary time since 2011 – and Fulham are unlikely to show accommodating hosts in that regard.
Fulham Premier League type:
Fulham type (all competitions):
Southampton Premier League type:
Southampton type (all competitions):
Workforce Information
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Following a complete win earlier this week, Marco Silva is prone to area a settled aspect on Saturday, spearheaded by star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.
The latter shook off a foot drawback to function on Boxing Day, and will once more be supported by Willian, Andreas Pereira and Bobby Decordova-Reid.
Attributable to harm, Neeskens Kebano, Layvin Kurzawa and Manor Solomon all stay out of rivalry for the hosts.
Southampton, in the meantime, could possibly be with out Theo Walcott, who has been troubled by a calf drawback, whereas Tino Livramento stays on the lengthy street to a return from his ACL harm. Midfielder Romeo Lavia (hamstring), defender Juan Larios (groin) and goalkeeper Alex McCarthy (ankle) are additionally on the sidelines.
Armel Bella-Kotchap is wanting match-sharpness however could also be promoted from the bench this weekend, as a way to bolster a faltering again line.
Teenage winger Samuel Edozie will hope to maintain his place within the guests’ lineup, after making an enormous impression towards Brighton in his first Premier League begin for the membership.
Fulham attainable beginning lineup:
Leno; Tete, Diop, Ream, Robinson; Reed, Palhinha; Decordova-Reid, Pereira, Willian; Mitrovic
Southampton attainable beginning lineup:
Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Salisu, Bella-Kotchap, Perraud; Ward-Prowse, Maitland-Niles; Elyounoussi, S. Armstrong, Edozie; Adams
We are saying: Fulham 2-1 Southampton
Fulham received off to a flying begin upon their return to motion, and with confidence coursing by their veins can benefit from Southampton’s woes to finish 2022 with successive wins: the Saints are wanting spark within the remaining third and have misplaced six from eight on the street to date.
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High tip
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