After setting the Premier League on fire in the early weeks of the season, Everton are now on a four-match winless streak. The Toffees’ 2-2 draw versus Liverpool was the catalyst to their poor play.
The derby was followed by Everton losing three straight games in the league. Everton have gone from first place to seventh, and are desperate for a victory.
Fulham are 17th in the league with a mere four points from 24 possible. They have won just once in eight games with six games finishing in losses. Scott Parker is on the hot seat at Crave Cottage. The Cottagers are coming off of a 1-0 loss to West Ham on matchday 8.
Just one point separates Fulham from the bottom three. A loss or draw could see them fall back into the relegation zone. A win would potentially see Fulham move further away from the drop zone.
Getting a win at home is easier said than done with Everton coming to west London. Fulham did win in 2018-19 against Everton at Craven Cottage, but the Toffees are a much different team this season than two years ago.
Fulham’s only win this season came at home. That win came in a six-point affair versus West Brom, 2-0. They have a –5-goal difference at home with just three goals scored and eight conceded.
Everton are on a two-game losing streak on the road. After starting the campaign with back-to-back away wins, they are now struggling away from Goodison Park. They lost to Southampton and Newcastle United by a combined score of 4-1.
The good news for manager Carlo Ancelotti is that Richarlison’s suspension is over. The team’s three-match losing streak coincided with the Brazilian’s three-match suspension.
Ancelotti will have his first-choice attacking trio of Richarlison, James Rodriguez, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin for the game at Craven Cottage. He is unlikely to have Seamus Coleman while Allan is a possible to make the squad.
Scott Parker is missing three players in the build-up for the match this weekend. Aboubaker Kamara is suspended and won’t play until matchday 10. Terence Kongolo and Josh Onomah are both ruled out of the game. Mario Lemina and Kenny Tete are possibilities to return to the team in time for kickoff.
Everton are slipping, but should benefit from playing one of the Premier League’s worst teams. Ancelotti’s side should claim an away win with the likes of Richarlison having a big impact following his suspension.