Fulham FC vs AFC Bournemouth, English Premier League 2024-25, Today Match Prediction

Fulham FC vs AFC Bournemouth Match Prediction & Analysis

Cole Palmer’s record breaking event at the club was overshadowed by a Marco Silva masterclass with goals coming in from Harry Wilson and Rodrigo Muniz. The young Englishman recorded his 26th Premier League goal of the calendar year - overtaking Jimmy Floyd Hasslebaink’s 2001 record. The Cottagers stole the show and in formidable fashion - registering their first win at Stamford Bridge in 45 years. For the majority of the game, Fulham were chasing, until Marco Silva looked to his bench and found the answer. 

Harry Wilson has delivered whenever summoned, and did so in the 82th minute to give his side a deserved equaliser. Muniz’s 95 minute equaliser sparked jubilation and will dictate the mood going for this campaign. Fulham have been ready to go toe-to-toe with the giants. Picking up a point at the Emirates and almost embarrassing league leaders Liverpool on home soil. Marco Silva’s men bring poise, energy, verve and attacking threat to the game. Even after going a goal down, they never gave up. Silva’s methods have been central to the identity of this team - prime and positive. 

Bournemouth were central to a 0-0 Boxing Day stalemate, while most teams either scored or experienced a win/loss outcome. The Cherries have now gone 6 games unbeaten in the Premier League and sit close to a Champions League spot. Andoni Iraolo will be gutted to not have picked up points against a stringent Palace side. His front line had 18 shots with 4 on target, but to no avail. 

As usual, the Spanish boss’ side threw numbers forward and overwhelmed the opposition backline. But, despite that, the Cherries just couldn’t apply a finishing touch. Kluivert was positive going forward, supported by Ouattara and Semenyo’s fancy feet. Tyler Adams and Evanilson’s second half addition kept momentum in favour of the visitors. Newcastle’s win against Villa means they climb into 5th - with only goal difference separating both sides.

Head to Head Record - Both teams have played each other on 6 occasions. The Cottagers have won 2, the Cherries have won 3, with one stalemate played. Fulham has scored 7 goals in total against Bournemouth. The Cherries have scored 11.

Current Standings - Fulham are in 8th position after accumulating 28 points after 18 games. The Cherries are in 6th with a point more, and a chance to get closer to a Champions League spot.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Fulham FC Preview

Marco Silva has seen it all. At his previous club, Everton, he was replaced by arguably the most decorated manager of all time - Carlo Ancelloti. That was because his side were languishing in 18th position and was therefore sacked only after 18 months after a 5-2 defeat to Liverpool. Fast forward a couple of years and the Maestro has found his mojo back. It’s rare to see managers in comparison to players in the spotlight. But, the Portuguese has delivered with this Fulham side playing an exciting brand of football. 

They’ve now taken points off Spurs, Arsenal and Liverpool. Not many can say that but Fulham are asserting their dominance in this league. Silva finished 10th in his first season in charge of the Cottagers. Last season they finished 13th. This time round, hopes will be high, to maybe snatch a European spot. Silva looks to have developed a good connection with the people of the West London club who have now come to idolise him. 

Stats that Matter

The Cottagers so far this season have conceded 23 goals. With a star attacking line up they’ve mustered 179 shots with 88 on target. The backline has kept shots at bay with Fulham only facing 66 shots. Marco Silva’s identity demands possession based football. For that, passing is key. Fulham have produced spectacularly in that area with a passing percentage of 84.46%. The team from West London has gained 8 points from losing positions, but dropped a high of 17 points from winning positions. 

Injury - Reed, Nelson, Tete, Berge, Smith-Rowe are all out injured. 

Fulham probable XI - Leno (GK), Castagne, Diop, Andersen, Bassey (DEF), Adama, Robinson, Lukic, Pereira, Iwobi (MID), Jimenez (FWD). 

AFC Bournemouth Preview

Bournemouth have been on a scoring spree but couldn’t replicate that at the Vitality. The Cherries went without scoring after 11 consecutive games. Iraola wasn’t happy with the point gained away from home because of a tightly congested mid-table. There’s a 6 point gap between Chelsea in 2nd (35)pts, and Bournemouth. Simultaneously there’s a 6 point gap between Bournemouth 6th (29)pts and West Ham who are in 13th (23)pts. A few wins or a few losses and the table gets drastically shuffled. 

Stats that Matter

Bournemouth so far have conceded 21 goals. After an initial tumultuous start to the season, the Cherries backline has been well marshalled by Zabarnyi. Young Huijsen has come into the mix by picking up a man of the match award against United at only 19 years of age. The Cherries have had 209 shots against other teams with 97 on target. 

The backline has blocked 89 shots. Iraola’s men have kept 79.24% of ball possession. They’ve gained more points from a losing position (9) than they did from winning positions (5). This team cannot be ruled out until the very last minute since a major chunk of goals have arrived in the last quarter of the game. The manager has instilled a deep sense of belief and their position on the table shows that. 

Injury - Scott, Sinisterra, Araujo, Senesi and Tavernier are all out injured. 

AFC Bournemouth probable XI - Kepa (GK), Aarons, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez (DEF), Christie, Cook, Semenyo, Kluivert, Ouattara (MID), Unal (FWD). 

FULHAM FC vs AFC BOURNEMOUTH
Winning Prediction

This could easily be a high-scoring fixture. You have elite games between Chelsea and Liverpool, and then you have games like this which produce equally high-quality moments. Both teams have found their footing in the Premier League with European places now up for grabs, especially with Manchester City struggling and with Tottenham and Aston Villa putting in inconsistent performances. 

Games are coming in thick and fast. Managers have to manage their players' legs along with making tactical and technical tweaks. This game will produce goals with players like Jimenez, Traore, Iwobi on one side and Kluivert, Semenyo, Evanilson on the other. Seeing a result beyond a draw at Craven Cottage is difficult

We Predict a Draw (2-2)

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