Premier League: Fulham Have Momentum Ahead of Acid Test

Liverpool vs Fulham

As it stands, the Premier League is Liverpool’s to lose. That may seem quite a statement given the season has not yet reached the halfway stage, but it’s true as the leaders have capitalised on Arsenal’s injuries and inconsistency and Manchester City’s implosion during November.

They deserve their lead, and standing in their way of more Premier League 2024 highlights this weekend are Marco Silva’s Fulham.

 

Talking Points 

Silva is no stranger to this part of the world as he was Everton boss for 18 months in 2018 and 2019.

Despite having to sell key players over the last two years, he has continued to keep the west Londoners in a respectable position in the top-flight and has recruited smartly. Adama Traore, Emile Smith Rowe, and ex-Toffees winger Alex Iwobi are among their standout players, and they should avoid getting drawn into any relegation fight, even though they probably lack the strength in depth to push for a European berth at this time.

The Cottagers have played twice since the leaders were in league action. They were 3-1 home winners over Brighton and then caused major damage to Arsenal’s outside title hopes last Sunday by holding them to a 1-1 draw. In that contest, Silva seemed slightly frustrated at how his side played in the second half as the Gunners pushed them back. Yet the draw still represented a solid afternoon’s work which included negating Arsenal’s dead-ball threat, in large part because of the way Traore, stationed at the back post, was able to intercept his man.

There were also performances of note from the likes of Sasa Lukic, Sander Berge, and goalscorer Raul Jimenez, who is enjoying his best form since a serious head injury sustained four years ago. After the 4-1 defeat at home to Wolves a fortnight ago, Fulham fans could have been forgiven for dreading games against Spurs (a 1-1 draw), Brighton, and Arsenal within seven days.

It was a testing week for Silva’s side, but they passed with flying colours by taking five points from the nine available. Whether they can repeat that performance and, more crucially, result against the runaway leaders is another test. Fulham are unbeaten in their past nine London derbies in the league, but a positive result on Saturday would be their best result of all in that period.

Storm Darragh put paid to the Merseyside Derby last weekend, but Liverpool were back in action with a 1-0 success at Girona in the Champions League in midweek.

With 11 goals and seven assists this season, there is no doubt who their main man is. Mohamed Salah is showing no signs of slowing down and, with reports that a new contract is close to being agreed, he will be expected to lead the line at Anfield.

 

History

Fulham announced their Premier League return two years ago with a showing which impressed this SBOTOP observer, led by an Aleksandar Mitrovic double. They’ve not fared so well against the Merseysiders since, however, with four defeats out of five, including both league meetings last term.

Their most recent contest ended with a 3-1 away success as Timothy Castagne’s goal was overcome by Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ryan Gravenberch, and Diogo Jota.

The sides had drawn 1-1 at Craven Cottage a few months earlier when Luis Diaz and Issa Diop traded goals, but even that was not enough to avoid a 3-2 aggregate defeat in what was the second leg of a League Cup semi-final.

The league meeting at Anfield last season was a seven-goal thriller which went the way of the home side thanks to two late goals from Wataru Endo and Alexander-Arnold.

Overall, Fulham have enjoyed 13 victories against Liverpool, who have tasted success 45 times with a further 19 draws.

The Cottagers did win at Anfield in March 2021 when Mario Lemina scored the only goal of the contest, played behind closed doors due to COVID-19 restrictions. Their inaugural clash came in a second round FA Cup tie in 1912, a match won 3-0 by Fulham at Craven Cottage.

 

Betting Tip

It’s hard to bet against the Premier League 2024 betting odds. They back a home win both 1X2 @ 1.31 and Asian Handicap -1.50 @ 1.90.

For Fulham to repeat their triumph of three and a half years ago, then how about 1X2 @ 6.90 or Asian Handicap +1.50 @ 2.00? A draw will pay out @ 5.20, while another 4-3 home success is on offer at a whopping @ 120.00 with Correct Score.

If you fancy a fair few goals, then look no further than over 3.25 @ 1.91, Total Goals 2-3 @ 2.28, or 4-6 @ 2.33.

   

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.