Fulham vs Southampton
Date: 24/11/2018
K/O: 15:00
Venue: Craven Cottage
Referee: Michael Oliver
The Cottagers play host to Southampton this weekend in a game which depending on the result, could really invigorate either side’s season.
With a combined 13 points between the two teams, Saturday’s match is going to be a battle of the bottom feeders. Fulham have only managed to score two goals in their last four appearances in the Premier League, and these came in a 4-2 defeat to Cardiff over a month ago. On the flip side, Southampton’s goal scoring record is nothing to marvel at, scoring two goals in their previous five Premier League appearances.
Mark Hughes will feel hard done by after the Saints last appearance in the Premier League, coming out with only one point against Watford, after conceding a horrendous deflected goal with ten minutes of play remaining. Southampton’s fans frustration were personified by Charlie Austin in the post-match interview as many will feel a poor refereeing decision cost the side an extra two points.
Depending on other results, a win for the Saints on Saturday could lift them to 14th place, which looks far better from a fan’s perspective than one place above the relegation zone.
As for Fulham, they are a side who have underperformed to an extreme extent. Spending upwards of 100m in the transfer window in an attempt to strengthen their squad and sitting bottom with five points do not correlate. If there was a game that Fulham can grasp with both hands, it’s this one. With Southampton struggling to score it is an opportunity that should not be missed. A win for the Cottagers could lift them out of the relegation zone, but they would need to win by at least a three-goal margin to jump above Saturday’s visitors.
Charlie Austin’s rant after the incorrectly ruled out goal against Watford was probably the most exciting thing about their encounter last time out and the international break could have served the Saints either way. Frustrations could have been quickly turned in to a performance as it provides immediate motivation to succeed, and emotions may have settled. On the contrary, emotions may have been channelled into some serious training and only increased the desire to remain in the Premier League.
With the departure of Les Reed still fresh in the Southampton dressing room, there is still a huge opportunity for Mark Hughes to win the fans respect and trust back. While it may only be Fulham, who are bottom, three points can ensure a tremendous amount of confidence; especially into a side who have been struggling such as Southampton.
With the captain Ryan Bertrand banned, Matt Targett will get an opportunity to showcase his talents. With a third of Southampton’s assists this season, he may provide a slightly different attacking dynamic to this Saints side. Yoshida may also get a start over Stephens. Danny Ings picked up an injury in the previous game, however, he may still start ahead of Charlie Austin. Gabbiadini will surely be included from the off as he managed to score their first goal from open play in six games in their encounter with Watford.
Claudio Ranieri will attempt to better Fulham’s fortunes on his return to management in the Premier League. His first home game, hosting Southampton, is a perfect opportunity to win the love and respect of the fans instantly. When Ranieri was appointed at Leicester City, it was in an attempt to keep their status in the Premier League, and what happened the following season will never be forgotten. It would be incredibly optimistic to assume he will do the same for Fulham; however, everyone can dream. Winning four and drawing four of his first nine games in charge of Leicester puts him in good stead for rescuing Fulham’s dismal start to this season’s Premier League campaign.
It’s difficult to pinpoint why Fulham are not living up to their potential, with players like Andre Schurrle and Aleksander Mitrovic in the side, who have both previously played huge parts for their respective international sides. With no significant injuries Ranieri will have the pick of the bunch to try and put one over on the Saints this Saturday; however, Bryan and McDonald are doubtful but may still feature in this weekends fixture.
Starting Predicted XI’s
Fulham (4-2-3-1): Rico; Christie, Odoi, Mawson, Le Marchand; Anguissa, Chambers; Schurrle, Cairney, Sessegnon; Mitrovic.
Southampton (4-2-3-1): McCarthy; Cedric, Yoshida, Hoedt, Targett; Hojbjerg, Lemina; Gabbiadini, Armstrong, Redmond; Ings.
Score Prediction: Fulham 2 Southampton 3
With both teams eager for three points it could be an incredibly closely fought game with plenty of intent to attack, but with Southampton beginning to score again and confidence coming back into the side I believe that they will scrape the three points from Fulham this weekend.
