Fulham vs Southampton Best Bet: Betting Preview

Welcome to our best bet, team news, lineups and fixtures preview ahead of the match between Fulham vs Southampton. It’s a clash where the home side is expected to win.

It’s tough to dislike Fulham right now. They’ve taken points in their previous four matches against tough opposition. Marco Silva’s side are smart and tough to beat. Southampton have struggled in the Premier League. They arrive here without a manager and have looked lost in recent weeks regardless. They’re well up against it once again.

Fulham vs Southampton Best Bet 1: Another Dismal Away Day

England, Premier League, Sunday, December 22st, 14:00 (UK)

Fulham continued their impressive run of form last weekend as they held Liverpool at Anfield. Marco Silva’s men have faced Spurs, Brighton, Arsenal and Liverpool in four consecutive matches, earning points in all. The Cottagers are considerable favourites in their clash with Southampton on Sunday afternoon. 

Russell Martin’s tenure as Saints boss is over. His side were embarrassed by Spurs at St. Mary’s. Ange’s men were 5-0 up at the half-time interval. Southampton have earned five points in 16 this term, a worrying number. Whoever makes the brave choice of taking over has a mountain to climb. The Saints are nine points adrift at the bottom of the table. 

It’s obvious what angle I’ll want to take. Siding with Fulham is my preferred approach. Marco Silva’s men have performed excellently this term. The hosts have proven to be a tough side to overcome. We saw Arsenal visit Craven Cottage recently. Arteta’s side created just 0.29xG from open play. Both sides have found the back of the net in all eight matches here this season.

Fulham are priced at 1.42 to win on Sunday afternoon, and that price is shortening. The Southampton camp will be unstable, given the current circumstances. They’re without a manager and have looked a total mess in recent weeks. There’s a clear contrast between the two teams. Marco Silva’s men are the shortest-priced side across the Premier League this weekend. Finding an angle would always take a little time, given the price on the home side. I think they’ll win, and I’m confident they will go into the break with the lead. 

Positives hard to find

Finding anything positive about Southampton right now is tricky. They haven’t won away from home this season. The Saints have created 6.6xG on their travels, the worst figure across the Premier League. Southampton has been behind on the break in seven away days. They haven’t even scored a first-half goal. Those eight away matches have seen an aggregate scoreline of 9-0 at the interval. 

The hosts will know that they have every chance of earning maximum points. They’ve led at the break in each of their three recent matches. Brighton, Arsenal and Liverpool are far superior to Southampton. There’s no reason why they couldn’t and shouldn’t be taking an early lead in this encounter. The selection has landed in 50% of matches at Craven Cottage. Only Brentford has stopped Fulham from scoring within the opening 45 minutes. One goal may be enough for the proposed selection to get over the line. 

Alex Iwobi has performed brilliantly this term. The Nigerian has eight goal contributions for the hosts. Raul Jimenez has found the back of the net five times. His goal against Arsenal here last time out was excellent. Antonee Robinson has been perhaps Fulham’s standout player in 24/25. The American international is a rampant left-back. He’s fantastic at both ends of the pitch. The 27-year-old assisted both goals at Anfield last weekend. Liverpool fans highlighted his brilliant performance and would love him to join their club. 

There are some talented players in the Southampton side. Tyler Dibling won’t be at the club for much longer. The 18-year-old is a serious talent. He’s fantastic on the ball and is excellent at driving his side forward. Dibling’s been the highlight of a dismal campaign on the South Coast. 

• Fulham vs Southampton Best Bet 1: Fulham 1st Half Result (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.98
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 5/10 (TRACKED BET)

Fulham vs Southampton Best Bet odds via bet365 as at 08:00, December 18th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Fulham vs Southampton Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups: Multiple Absentees For Both Clubs

Andreas Pereira will not play due to suspension. Harrison Reed has been out since the start of November. He may return to the side this weekend. Joachim Anderson is suffering from a calf injury. It’s unconfirmed if he will feature here. Reiss Nelson will not play. He’s out with a hamstring injury.

Jack Stephens remains suspended. Aaron Ramsdale has been out with a broken finger. He may be able to feature this weekend. Gavin Bazunu won’t play a part. The Irishman is out until next month. Ross Stewart and Will Smallbone are both set to miss out again.

Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Tete, Diop, Cuenca, Robinson, Berge, Lukic, Smith-Rowe, Wilson, Iwobi, Jimenez

Southampton possible starting lineup:
McCarthy; Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Manning, Aribo, Downes, Fernandes, Dibling, Armstrong, Sulemana

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