Fulham vs Southampton: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 24th November 2018

England Premier League
Saturday 24th November 2018
Kick off at 3pm GMT
Venue: Craven Cottage

Match Preview:

The big news for Fulham over the international break was Slavisa Jokanovic being sacked and replaced by Claudio Ranieri. Ranieri of course managed Fulham’s local rival Chelsea and the last time he was in charge of a Premier League club, Leicester, they won the league, so…..

On the other end of the spectrum is the troubled Mark Hughes, manager of Southampton and there have been rumours that if the Saints lose this game then his job could be on the line.

Fulham are bottom of the Premier League and so the job starts on Saturday for Ranieri. The club have won one game all season and from 12 games they have lost 9. They have conceded 8 goals in their last two home games after defeats to Arsenal (5-1) and Bournemouth (3-0). Ranieri has perhaps one of his most difficult projects as a manager and it will be fascinating to see how he lines up his team and if he can get instant results with the club.

Southampton are in 17^th and just three points clear of their hosts. A win would be massive for them and a stay of execution for Hughes. The reason his job is on the line is because the Saints have not won a game since beating Crystal Palace on September 1^st.

Form is very poor and away from home they have lost 4 from 6 games and one once, indeed the Palace win was their sole victory.

Team News:

Fulham: Joe Bryan is finally expected back after his lack of match fitness but he has now played behind closed doors and should be back in the squad if not a starter. Kevin McDonald has a chance to be back after suffering a knock a few weeks ago

Southampton: Ryan Bertrand is suspended for this game after picking up 5 yellow cards. Danny Ings has a hamstring injury and Mario Lemina a muscle problem but both players will be assessed ahead of this match. Shane Long looks a doubt with an ankle injury

Fulham vs Southampton Head to Head:

The omens could be good for Mark Hughes as Southampton have won the last 2 meetings played at Craven Cottage.

Fulham have not beaten Southampton at home since 2004.

3 of the last 4 meetings have ended in under 2.5 goals.

Fulham vs Southampton Prediction:

Ranieri’s first game and possibly Hughes’ last. This will be played like a frantic cup tie. In some ways and with a new manager in tow, Southampton might just have a small advantage given that Ranieri will be fitting in once more to the league, but this should be a very close game with not much between the two sides. But because it will be played at a quick pace, tactics could go out the window as Hughes will be here to save his job. That’s why we expect a slow start at the beginning but a very open game as it goes on and with it goals.

Fulham vs Southampton Betting Tips:

Fulham to beat Southampton at 2.50

Highest Scoring Half: 2^nd half at 1.91

Over 2.5 goals at 1.91