Prediction: Fulham vs Wolverhampton

Verdict: Away win – yes

Best Odds: 27/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

A Fulham side that lies at the bottom of the table will have another chance to move away from the relegation zone this Wednesday on Boxing Day. The Cottagers will play at home against a Wolverhampton that is in the middle of the standings, but eager to make a push towards the upper half of the Premier League table. Kick-off is scheduled at 12:30 BST.

Fulham

It’s not a secret that Fulham have not been playing well this season. The Cottagers have endured a tough time in their return to the top-flight, and right now they sit at the bottom of the standings with only 10 points after 18 games (W2, D4, L12). That two-win total is the joint-lowest at the Premier League level along with Huddersfield, and they haven’t won since November 24, when they registered a big 3-2 win over Southampton at home. They are currently riding a five-game winless run at the league level, though, with two draws and three losses. In fact, they have won just once in their last nine EPL outings, with six wins over that span (W1, D2, L6). The Cottagers are looking to move away from the red zone, but they need to string a number of wins in a row in order to accomplish that. If they don’t, then they might get back to the Championship sooner than expected.

Team News

Fulham won’t have Frank-Andre Zambo Anguissa available due to an undisclosed injury.

Plus, Ryan Sessegnon is questionable due to a groin injury.

Wolverhampton

Much like Fulham, Wolverhampton also returned to England’s top-flight this season, but their fortune has been completely different. The Wolves got off to a good start this season, went through a negative run, and are on the rise once again. Those inconsistencies are expected among promoted clubs, but it seems Nuno Espirito Santo’s men have been riding on the right direction of late. They might be coming off a 2-0 loss against Liverpool the last time out, but prior to that they were coming off a three-game winning streak. The Wolves have also been playing well on the attacking end, scoring twice in three of their last five EPL matches. Plus, the Wolves might be in 10th place in the standings (W7, D4, L7) with only 19 goals scored, but they are mounting a charge to the top half of the standings. They sit four points adrift Manchester United, who are sixth.

Team News

The Wolves will be almost at full strength entering this game.

The lone absentee for this game will be Diogo Jota, who has been ruled out due to a thigh problem.

Key Factors to Consider

• The Wolves have the edge on the recent H2H record against Fulham: W3, D1, L1.
• One area where the Wolves have struggled is on the attacking end. They have scored only 19 goals in 18 EPL matches.
• Fulham, on the other hand, have been performing even worst on the attacking end. The Cottagers have scored only 16 times, the third-worst total in the league.
• To make things even more complicated, Fulham own the worst defence in the Premier League. They have conceded 42 goals in the EPL during the current term.
• Fulham have not won in their previous EPL matches. Their record over that span shows: D2, L3.
• Meanwhile, the Wolves over that five-game period reads: W3, L2.

Conclusion

Fulham have struggled all season long and this shouldn’t change in this one. Despite being at home, the Wolves have a far better run of form at the moment. Expect them to secure the three points.

Verdict: Away win – yes

Best Odds: 27/20

Bookmaker: 888sport