2024-25 Premier League: Week 17 – Fulham vs Southampton

Fulham entertain relegation-battling Southampton at Craven Cottage. 

Victory could see Fulham go as high as sixth if Bournemouth lose elsewhere,whilst Southampton will stay bottom regardless of the result.

 

Team News

Kenny Tete is ruled out for Fulham after he suffered a shin injury in their 2-2 draw at Liverpool.

Tom Cairney (suspension) and Joachim Andersen (calf) could return if fit, whilst Calvin Bassey is back from suspension but Andreas Pereira is suspended for this game.

Reiss Nelson (hamstring) and Harrison Reed (knee) remain absent.

Southampton could welcome Kyle Walker-Peters back after a knock kept him out of their midweek Carabao Cup exit against Liverpool.

Aaron Ramsdale (finger) is a doubt for selection.

Jack Stephens (suspension), Will Smallbone (thigh), Ross Stewart (calf) and Gavin Bazunu (Achilles) remain ruled out.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Fulham host Southampton at Craven Cottage on Sunday 22 December at 2pm GMT, live on Sky Sports in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• Fulham have claimed seven points in their last five league meetings against Southampton (W2, D1, L2).
• Southampton have won one of their last five visits to Fulham (W1, D2, L2).
• Fulham have kept clean sheets in two of their last four meetings against Southampton.
• Fulham have conceded in each of their last 12 home games stretching back to April 2024 (W4, D3, L5).
• Southampton have claimed just one point away from home this season (D1, L7).

 

Prediction

Having twice led at Liverpool with fantastic intensity and end product, Fulham will be disappointed with the draw but they know that this is theirs to lose and I do hope that they can bring that quality but clean sheets is their Achilles heel.

Southampton though have a point to prove to new manager, Ivan Juric, but they first must do the basics defensively and build on the second-half performance of their Carabao Cup exit.

If the Saints do that then they might get a draw but I just don’t see Fulham losing this if they bring their top game.

Prediction: Fulham 2-1 Southampton

Result: Fulham 0-0 Southampton