Southampton FC
Fulham FC
Fulham FC
Newly relegated Fulham travel to Southampton aiming to restore some pride after disappointment
Southampton to win 1-0
Well, at Fulham can say they gave it a good go.
Although the Cottagers have now officially been relegated, it was not for the want of trying and they haven’t slumped out of the league as Sheffield United have done.
They will have been disappointed by the slow start they made to the season, winning just two of their first 22 games and often not earning the points that some of their better performances deserved.
Scott Parker deserves some praise for the way in which he almost turned things around, rising to within two points of safety at once stage.
Southampton have also suffered through a disappointing campaign, though in contrast to their opponents, benefitted from an excellent start to the season, briefly topping the table at one stage.
Since then, their fortunes have changed for the worst, but with a win last weekend taking them into 14th place, it seems as though they have found some form.
Form Guide (all comps): LLDLW
Reasons to be cheerful:
Last week’s win will have boosted their confidence
Lost just one of their last eight meetings with Fulham
Reasons to be fearful:
Only one win in five games
Have lost 13 of their last 17 matches
Southampton’s year since the start of 2021 has been truly dismal, with their 14 point earned the fewest of any side in the league. Considering how poor bottom club Sheffield United have been, this is some statistic.
Their performances have improved somewhat over the past couple of weeks, however, pushing Liverpool all the way before earning their first win in five against Crystal Palace in their last fixture.
The return of Danny Ings from injury has been vital, and the English striker remains the club’s most important player when fit and on form.
Here, they will want to continue their good record against Fulham, having lost only one of their last eight meetings, although they could face being without defender Jan Bednarek who suffered an ankle injury against Palace.
Star Man – Danny Ings
Returned from injury by scoring in the win over Palace recently and remains the club’s top scorer despite missing plenty of game time this season.
Form Guide (all comps): LLDLL
Reasons to be cheerful:
Official relegation may ease pressure on their shoulders
Have opened the scoring in nine away games this season
Reasons to be fearful:
Earned just one point from their last seven in the league
Goals have dried up for the Cottagers of late
Fulham will be bitterly disappointed with their relegation status, especially having come so close to rising up the table no more than a few weeks ago.
Just two points was the gap after 29 games played, with Newcastle then appearing in real trouble. Fast forward a few weeks and six defeats have followed from the next seven games, although they have faced teams such as City and Chelsea, with Man United to follow this one.
Their away performances have been relatively good this season. They have taken the lead in nine of those games, showing that they can start fast, although often drift away in the second half.
Perhaps now that the pressure of relegation has been lifted, they can put in a good performance here.
Star Man – Ademola Lookman
Has gone through both ups and downs this season, but Lookman’s skill and pace can be a test for any defence.
Could be an open game
Southampton’s confidence will be higher
Chances at both ends
With both teams now having very little to play for, they may decide to throw caution to the wind and try to play an open game of football.
Fulham have been poor in front of goal lately, with just three scored in their last seven, whereas the Saints have their top goalscorer back fit and firing once again.
You would expect Southampton to secure victory here.
Southampton to win 1-0
