Fulham vs Southampton
Southampton’s Premier League place is under threat.
They were booed off by their own supporters this week and, after the harsh sacking of Ralph Hasenhuttl – the Austrian who had worked wonders on a relative shoestring during four years on the south coast – they need to get some victories on the board.
Indeed, as they prepare to travel to Fulham in their final match of 2022, Premier League highlights are a necessity as the Saints find themselves bottom of the table.
Talking Points
Certainly, there is no time for a honeymoon for new boss Nathan Jones who took over at St Mary’s last month, just over a week before the start of the World Cup.
He lost his first game in charge against Liverpool and the 49 year-old’s task has become even more difficult with a Boxing Day defeat at home to rivals Brighton.
After that contest, Jones said he wanted his new charges “to be aggressive” and it’s quite clear something has to change as Southampton have now lost four consecutive games in the top flight.
That they were booed off by their own supporters at both half-time and full-time at St Mary’s Stadium suggests patience is wearing thin, even accounting for the fact Jones has taken on quite a task and has barely had time to settle.
Southampton have had their moments this season but need to show the same passion and determination they are capable of on a more regular basis.
In contrast, their hosts on Saturday really are soaring against all the odds.
In fact, under the astute management of Marco Silva, the Cottagers have not really looked back since a terrific opening day draw at home to last season’s runners-up Liverpool.
Since then, they have shown that was not a one-off display as they came within seconds of draws against both Manchester clubs (games they could consider themselves unlucky to lose) and, while their past two Premier League campaigns have ended in relegation to the Championship, fears of a third drop are disappearing at a rapid rate.
On Boxing Day, Bobby Decordova-Reid, Tim Ream and Aleksandar Mitrovic all scored as they overpowered their London rivals Crystal Palace who ended the game with nine men.
It is now 22 points from 16 games under Silva this term, just six fewer than they managed in the entirety of their last Premier League campaign two years ago.
With Silva at the helm, the midfield duo of Joao Palhinha and Andreas Pereira exceling and Mitrovic a striker in form with 11 goals so far, no wonder Fulham have so much going for them.
Their confidence will be in stark contrast to their opponents as the calendar year comes to a close.
History
Fulham have only won one of their last 11 meetings against Southampton in all competitions, a run stretching back to 2005.
The sole victory was in November 2018 at Craven Cottage when the Cottagers edged a five goal thriller, thanks to goals from Mitrovic (two) and Andre Schurrle. Stuart Armstrong netted both for the Saints.
When they last met two seasons ago, a goalless draw on the Thames was followed by a 3-1 victory for the home side on the south coast.
Che Adams, Nathan Tella and Theo Walcott were on target for Southampton with Fabio Carvalho replying for Fulham.
Aside from four meetings in the mid to late 1960s, the clubs had never met in the top flight of English football until 2001.
The inaugural clash was in the then Southern League in 1903 when they played out a 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage – Frederick Harrison and Jack Fraser were the Southampton marksmen on that occasion.
Historically, Fulham have 22 wins in this fixture, Southampton have 30 triumphs to their name and there have been a further 25 draws.
Betting Tip
The SBOTOP Premier League betting odds suggest this could be another uncomfortable afternoon for the Saints.
While the hosts are priced 1X2 @ 2.09 and Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 1.82, Southampton are on offer 1X2 @ 3.50 and Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 2.12.
The draw is available @ 3.25.
Goal options include over 2.50 @ 1.82, under 2.50 @ 2.08, total 0-1 @ 3.85, 2-3 @ 1.97 and 4-6 @ 3.15.
If there is to be a repeat of their meeting here two seasons ago, then Correct Score 0-0 will earn you a pay day of @ 11.50.
Southampton will give it their all, I am sure, but they need to strengthen this January if they are to preserve their top flight status after more than a decade in the Premier League.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
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.
