Silva doesn´t want to talk about the future of full-back Robinson

Fulham manager Marco Silva does not want to talk about the future of full-back Antonee Robinson, who has impressed this season, ahead of their match at home to Southampton this weekend.

The performance of the USA international has attracted reported interest from the Premier League’s big hitters and Silva believes he is one of the best left-backs in the Premier League.

“You are asking a Fulham manager but of course I am going to say yes,” he said when asked.

“I don’t want to talk too much about him because I know in January the same story is going to follow about Robinson. I don’t want to go in that direction.

“He’s really focused in the way he plays, so let’s keep him like that. It’s crucial for us. If he’s the best or not, that’s not for me to decide, my players are always the best.”

Following the Cottagers’ 2-2 draw away to Liverpool last weekend, which extended their unbeaten run to four matches, Silva was full of praise for his players.

“The momentum is here and in our group. I have to give credit to our players for their attitude and commitment. We have to go in the same way against Southampton.”

Festive football in SW6. #FULSOU pic.twitter.com/7w9jBdiJd1

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) December 19, 2024

For managerless Southampton, meanwhile, were beaten 2-1 at home to Liverpool in the EFL Cup in midweek.

Saints goalscorer Cameron Archer preached the importance of togetherness among the squad while going through a difficult period.

“We didn’t have long to work with Rusky [Simon Rusk], but we trained and he gave us a few ideas. Obviously, it comes down to us as well,” he said.

“We have just got to train and stick together as well, that is the most important thing.

“We need to train, get our heads down and get the job done.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Fulham – Raul Jimenez

Jimenez is Fulham’s joint-top scorer this season with five league goals alongside Alex Iwobi.

The Mexican forward netted Fulham’s goal in their 1-1 draw against Arsenal last time out at Craven Cottage, while he has also supplied two assists in the league this season.

Southampton – Tyler Dibling

Dibling has been one of few bright sparks for Southampton this season, scoring one goal and providing two assists in all competitions.

The 18-year-old ranks third in the Southampton squad for shots (15) and shots on target (six), while he has created the most chances (13) and ranks second for progressive carries (1,357.55m).

MATCH PREDICTION: FULHAM WIN

Southampton travel to Fulham with both sides currently on different paths. The visitors are winless in seven in all competitions, while Fulham are currently on a four-match unbeaten run and have lost just one of their last eight matches.

Fulham claimed an impressive 2-2 draw away to Premier League leaders Liverpool in their last match, having previously drawn 1-1 with Arsenal the week before at Craven Cottage.

Southampton have managed just one point on the road this season, which is the fewest in the Premier League. Saints are winless in their last 15 on the road in the top flight (D3 L12).

Southampton have won just one of their nine Premier League away games against Fulham (D3 L5), picking up a 3-0 victory in February 2014 under Mauricio Pochettino.

Whatever the result in this game, Southampton will be bottom of the at Christmas for the first time in their history. If they lose this game, their five points will be the joint second-lowest of any side at Christmas in the Premier League (level with Sunderland in 2005-06), with only Sheffield United in 2020-21 having fewer (two).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Fulham – 64%

Draw – 19.2%

Southampton – 16.8%