Prediction: Fulham vs Southampton

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 23/10

Bookmaker: 888sport

Merry Christmas, football fans! This may not be the festive season that any of us would’ve anticipated this time last year, but such is the nature of the global pandemic that we’re currently in the midst of. While the news can be a depressing place right now it’s important to focus on the positives in life – and even though it may seem like a small thing, the escapism of sport can’t be undervalued. Today, we’re going to be previewing what should be an intriguing Boxing Day showdown: Fulham vs Southampton.

Fulham

After looking dead and buried within the space of just a few short games, Fulham are now starting to show the sort of fight that you need in a relegation battle. They’re still widely considered to be one of the favourites for the drop but if they can sustain the level of tenacity we’ve seen in recent weeks, they’ve got a real fighting chance. Scott Parker cares about this team and he cares about the direction they’re going in – and that’s a nice position for the fans to be in.

Team News

Andersen’s red card has been overturned which means he is available for selection in this one. Elsewhere, Kongolo has been ruled out through injury, Tete and Cavaleiro will be assessed for kickoff and Lemina is ineligible to play against his parent club.

Southampton

The Ralph Hasenhuttl experiment has worked so well that Southampton are now being viewed as a team that could legitimately upset the status quo in the top six this season. They’re still a long way off of making that a reality, and it’s going to take a lot more than just heart to do it, but they just have the sort of composure that you rarely see at this level. If they can maintain it, the sky is the limit for them.

Team News

Ings is back on the injury list which could mean Walcott is moved up top to start in a more attacking position. Romeu’s yellow card against Manchester City means he will also miss out as a result of a suspension.

Factors to Consider

• Fulham are in 18th place with 10 points whereas Southampton are 7th place with 24 points.
• Fulham have won one, drawn three and lost two of their last six games.
• Southampton have won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six games.
• Fulham have scored six goals and conceded eight in their last six games.
• Southampton have scored nine goals and conceded seven in their last six games.

Conclusion

The simple fact of the matter is that there’s going to be a lot of pressure on the shoulders of Southampton heading into this game, and that’s not something they’ve been faced with all too regularly this season. As such, we think Fulham are going to come into this game with very little to lose – and that makes them dangerous. We’re backing the Cottagers to surprise a lot of critics by walking away with a well-earned point against the Saints.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 23/10

Bookmaker: 888sport