Fulham have given themselves a lifeline in the Premier League relegation fight. Scott Parker’s team have drawn three straight games in the division and will hope to get a result against the high-flying Saints of Southampton.
Ralph Hassenhuttl’s team have been brilliant this season and sit in seventh place going into their Boxing Day game at Craven Cottage. Southampton are just two points off of the top four. European football qualification is possible this season for Southampton.
The Saints have taken eight points from their last 18 available in the league. They are coming off of a 1-0 loss at home to Manchester City last weekend. Once again, the Saints played well but came away without a point.
Target acquired. 🎯Always out to improve. 💪#FFC pic.twitter.com/Y45QcD7ZqR— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) December 23, 2020
Target acquired. 🎯Always out to improve. 💪#FFC pic.twitter.com/Y45QcD7ZqR
Fulham have taken six points from their last 18 possible. Their last three games in the Premier League all finished in draws. The Cottagers have been outscored during that six-match run 8-6. They are playing better football and are now just two points back of a bad Brighton team.
These teams have played three times in the last two seasons in league and cup matches. The home team split wins in the 2018-19 season with Fulham winning 3-2 at Craven Cottage. Southampton returned the favour with a 2-0 home victory.
The Saints met Fulham at Craven Cottage in 2019-20 in the Carabao Cup. Southampton claimed a 1-0 win away in that game to advance in the competition.
Parker has one big injury issue going into the game. Forward Ivan Cavaliero is a doubt for the game due to a thigh strain. Kenny Tete is also a doubt as he regains match fitness following an injury layoff. Terence Kongolo is ruled out for the team.
Hassenhuttl has several players on his injury list. But all are expected to play. Danny Ings, Stuart Armstrong, Nathan Redmond, and Jannik Vestergaard are all to undergo late fitness tests. All four should make the squad.
Ings returned from injury recently and remains the club’s top scorer. He has scored six goals and tallied three assists in 11 league matches. He has an expected goal figure of 4.42.
Southampton are just two points away from the top five. They should claim all three points on Boxing Day away to Fulham and continue their brilliant form.
The Saints have won two of their last three games against Fulham and should continue that good form this weekend with a low-scoring win over Fulham.