Crunch time at Craven Cottage
With less than 10 games to go now in the Premier League it is crunch time for arguably no team more than Fulham who are two points from safety in 18th. It has been a good resurgence from the Cottagers since the turn of the year, no performance more impressive than their 1-0 win at Anfield just two games ago. This Friday evening they welcome a fellow promoted side in Leeds United, but one that has enjoyed a far more successful campaign, the same distance from the top six as they are the bottom three, 10. Fulham are narrow favourites but Marcelo Bielsa’s men are more than capable of springing a surprise on their travels.
Process
The Cottagers are a better side than their league position suggests but whether that will be enough to pull them out of the mire is another matter. Scott Parker’s side have scored just 22 from 35 expected goals, an enormous underperformance and their uninspiring forward line led by inexperienced topflight players in Josh Maja, Ivan Cavaleiro and Ademola Lookman means they could end the season with a disappointing finishing performance. Parker does not fancy Aleksandar Mitrovic despite his wealth of goals in the division in comparison. They have been fortunate to concede just 36 from 46.4 expected goals, maybe not so in this matchup, Leeds are ruthless going forward on their day.
Leeds have scored 43 from 45.7 expected goals, ranking them seventh for each metric however have been leaky at the back, possibly a systemic issue, they do go hell for leather up top. They have let in 46 from 50.1 expected, a defensive process that puts them in the relegation zone.
Goals?
Desperation from Fulham could take this game one of two ways, could increase the fear of losing it and see Parker remain cautious. Or, my recommended way, they go all out for the win and we see a high scoring affair as a result, they are running out of time.
- Fulham have scored in five of 10.
- Fulham have conceded in five of 10.
- Fulham have seen both teams score in two of 10.
- Fulham have seen over 2.5 goals in two of 10.
- Leeds have scored in six of 10.
- Leeds have conceded in seven of 10.
- Leeds have seen both teams score in four of 10.
- Leeds have seen over 2.5 goals in five of 10.
Leeds could be deadly on the counter if Fulham go all guns blazing, I still see the hosts as narrow favourites though this one could be very open. The reverse fixture saw the Whites run out 4-3 winners.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Bielsa’s men push Fulham further into the mud with a 2-1 win.