Top of the table clash in the second tier
It is first versus second in the Championship on Friday evening when Scott Parker makes his return to Craven Cottage with Bournemouth. The Cherries were the early season pace setters in the second tier but are now winless in their last three and have been knocked off of top spot by Marco Silva’s Fulham. The Cherries have an eight point cushion over West Bromwich Albion in third place, at the time of writing, and will be hoping to keep the chasing pack at bay with a positive result in West London. Fulham are odds on favourites in this fixture, but Bournemouth’s away form suggests it will be a whole lot closer on the night.
Process
Fulham are averaging a ludicrously healthy 2.46 expected goals (xG) and have overperformed that figure by almost seven xG. Aleksandar Mitrovic has been in mercurial form spearheading the attacking contingent but the supporting cast of Bobby Decordova-Reid and Neeskens Kebano also deserve praise for being consistently too good for the level.
Jean-Michael Seri is a joke of a player to have at the level at the base of midfield and in combination with flying full backs Antonee Robinson and Kenny Tete, it is easy to see why Fulham are set to run away with the Championship this term.
Bournemouth have exceeded expectations this season and somehow come on leaps and bounds despite losing star player Arnaut Danjuma to Villarreal in the summer. Ryan Christie has come in from Celtic and Jaidon Anthony has stepped up from the youth ranks to produce a better oiled machine, marshalled brilliantly in defence by former Chelsea man Gary Cahill. The Cherries sit second for defensive process, Fulham are third, but they will have their work cut out.
Goals?
This has the makings of an absolute cracker, hopefully the occasion does not get the better of the players.
- Fulham have scored in nine of ten.
- Fulham have conceded in four of ten.
- Fulham have seen both teams score in four of ten.
- Fulham have seen over 2.5 goals in six of ten.
- Bournemouth have scored in ten of ten.
- Bournemouth have conceded in five of ten.
- Bournemouth have seen both teams score in five of ten.
- Bournemouth have seen over 2.5 goals in six of ten.
Fulham are rightful but if the Cherries can stand firm and frustrate them they could be vulnerable. If Ryan Christie can pick up the ball in the right areas he can hurt a team in an instant, this could be epic.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
1-1 Tosin Adarabioyo's equaliser sees this one home.