2018-19 Premier League: Week 37 – Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Fulham

Europa League chasing Wolverhampton Wanderers welcome relegated Fulham to Molineux for a huge Premier League clash. 

A win here would see Wolves guarantee themselves a seventh-placed finish and possible Europa League football for next season, whereas Fulham are hoping to continue their surge in form. 

 

Team news

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Wolves have no injury concerns for a fifth consecutive match with Nuno Espirito-Santo unlikely to make many changes here. 

Fulham could welcome Andre Schurrle back after he missed their last two matches for personal reasons.

Denis Odoi however will sit this game out in line with the concussion protocol after a collision with teammate, Maxime Le Marchand.

The Belgian therefore joins Marcus Bettinelli, Timothy Fosu-Mensah (both knee) and Lazar Markovic (calf) on the sidelines. 

 

Form

Wolves have lost just one of their last five coming into this game, and are unbeaten in their last ten at home in all competitions since a New Year defeat to Crystal Palace.

Fulham enter this game off the back of three consecutive league victories without conceding, including away at Bournemouth which ended a seven match losing run on the road. 

 

Stat Attack

• Wolves have lost one of last eight meetings with Fulham in all competitions (W5, D2, L1). 
• Fulham are yet to win at Molineux in the Premier League (D1, L3). 
• Victory here would see Fulham win four consecutive Premier League games for first time, although they came close at end of 2005-06 season when defeat away to Sunderland in penultimate match ended that run. 
• Fulham’s Sergio Rico has made the fifth highest number of saves this season, saving 100 shots. 
• Diogo Jota has successfully completed 74.7% of his 704 passes compared to Wolves teammate – Raul Jimenez who has completed just 73.2% of his 1000 passes. 

 

Prediction

I am expecting a good battle here because Fulham are finally playing some solid football from the back, although Wolves are a difficult side to beat at Molineux which makes this a tough ask for the Cottagers. 

If Rico is at his best in goal against a classy yet unpredictable Wolves attack then I can see a draw, otherwise it will be a home win because I imagine that the home side will want seventh wrapped up before next weekend’s trip to Liverpool. 

Prediction: Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 Fulham

Jake predicts: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 Fulham

Result: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 Fulham