The Daily Star Ireland
Fulham, currently sitting 8th in the Premier League and just a point behind 6th place, still have a solid chance of securing a European spot this season. The team has shown resilience, losing only one of their last eight league matches, which included 3 wins and 4 draws. Their sole defeat came as a surprise loss to relegation-threatened Wolverhampton (1-4), but they quickly bounced back by drawing at Tottenham (1-1) and beating Brighton (3-1). They also held their own against two top teams, Arsenal (1-1) and Liverpool (2-2) last weekend.
On the other hand, Southampton is facing a tough return to the Premier League, currently sitting in 20th place with only 5 points from 16 games. Their chances of avoiding relegation look slim, as they are 9 points adrift from safety. Their only victory this season came against Everton in early November (1-0), but since then, they have struggled, with 1 draw and 5 losses, including heavy defeats to Chelsea (1-5), Aston Villa (0-1), and Tottenham (0-5). This last loss led to the departure of manager Russell Martin.
For Fulham, they will be missing key players, including defender Andersen, winger Nelson, and midfielder Reed. Cairney is also still suspended, though they are boosted by the return of defender Bassey. Striker Rodrigo Muniz, who scored in the last match, is expected to remain on the bench with Raul Jimenez likely starting. Winger Iwobi and playmaker Andreas Pereira are both available.
Southampton will also be missing several players, including goalkeepers Ramsdale and Bazunu, along with long-term absentees Larios and Smallbone. They also face the absence of striker Stewart, but Captain Stephens has returned from suspension. Southampton’s attack is the worst in the league, and their defense is ranked 19th.
Prediction
Southampton has struggled away from home this season, collecting only one point from a possible 17 and being outscored 12-3. Fulham, with 12 wins in their last 18 home matches, will likely capitalize on Southampton’s poor form. The prediction is a 2-0 victory for Fulham.
