Fulham vs Southampton Lineups, Preview, Prediction and Team News | Premier League, December 22, 2024

Fulham vs Southampton Preview

• Tournament: English Premier League
• Date: Sunday, December 22
• Kick-off Time: 02:00 PM GMT
• Venue: Craven Cottage, Fulham, West London. 

A mid-table placed Fulham FC are set to host last-positioned Southampton FC next in the English Premier League 2024-25. Temporarily this game is a ticket for Fulham to rise up the ranks, but Southampton FC it hails no growth. In the long term though, a win and a few stunning performances would help the visitors rise above the relegation zone.

Hosts Fulham FC are unbeaten in their last four games, this surely states the fact that coach Marco Silva is doing a good job. The West London club is finding form lately, and would definitely be the favourites in this one, against the worst-performing side of the English top tier.

Southampton FC fought with their full strength in the EFL Cup quarter-finals against league leaders Liverpool FC. But a loss by the slender margin of 2-1 did them no good. But the stellar surely proves that they hail good quality and cannot be ruled out for this one, despite being placed at the bottom with just one win to cherish in the entire league. On that note, it can be assumed that a thriller can be expected when the two clash at Craven Cottage, West London.

Fulham FC Team News

Reiss Nelson and Harrison Reed are the only players reportedly out of the Fulham FC squad. So coach Marco Silva has little to worry.

Southampton FC Team News

Southampton FC have four of their players out from this game, Will Smallbone, Gavin Bazunu and Ross Stewart are out for injuries, while Jack Stephens is serving his four-match ban.

Also Read: Everton vs Chelsea Lineups, Preview, Prediction and Team News | Premier League, December 22, 2024

Fulham vs Southampton Predicted Lineups

Fulham predicted lineup:

Goalkeeper: Leno

Defenders: Castagne, Diop, Bassey, Robinson

Midfielders: Lukic, Berge; Iwobi, Smith Rowe, Wilson

Forward: Jimenez

Southampton Predicted Lineup:

Goalkeeper: Ramsdale

Defenders: Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Wood

Midfielders: Sugawara, Downes, Fernandes, Walker-Peters; Dibling, Armstrong

Forward: Archer

Head-to-Head Record

Fulham FC and Southampton FC have met a total of 79 times to date only. Fulham have won 24 matches, Southampton have won 30 matches, while 25 of them ended in a draw. Records indicate that both sides have been involved in a close rivalry. The rivalry ages long too, with the first clash between them happening in 1903.

Key Players to Watch in Fulham vs Southampton

Raúl Jiménez (Fulham FC)

Though Fulham have been good lately, the No. 7 didn’t have many goals. He just had one against giants Arsenal, which obviously helped them level, but again it’s the only goal since matchday 8.

He seems to struggle at finding the nets, and a goal against the weak defence of Southampton FC would not only be easy but also good to up his confidence. The veteran has the skills required and also the experience necessary to pull this one in the club’s favour. He should look to play boldly.  

Adam Armstrong (Southampton FC)

The No. 9 plays from the wings at times, and this might be another one where he starts from the sides and not the centre. The 27-year-old led the side in the last two games, against giants Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa FC. This could be another one when he captains.

He has played over 100 games for the club and knows when he needs to step up. This should be the chance for him to step up and save his team. Fulham too have a leaky defense, and he with the ability to take good shots and chip past defenders can be the ace here.

Fulham vs Southampton Prediction

Fulham FC are expected to win this game easily, they are playing at home, with a better squad and far better form. So, this is a cakewalk for them. However, Southampton FC with their past performance against Liverpool should be pumped to give a tough fight.

Predicted Score: Fulham FC 3-1 Southampton FC (Watch Live)

Also Read: Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano Lineups, Preview, Prediction and Team News | LaLiga, December 22, 2024

Where to Watch Fulham vs Southampton Live?

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