Fulham meet Bournemouth at Craven Cottage in a crucial showdown in the race for European qualification.
Victory would lift Fulham as high as eighth if Brighton and Chelsea both lose elsewhere, whilst Bournemouth will remain sixth with a win.
Team News
Emile Smith Rowe is set to be in contention for Fulham despite having suffered from cramp in their 3-0 loss at Arsenal.
Sander Berge is also set to be available after he sat out the trip to Arsenal due to illness, but Raul Jimenez is ruled out after he missed part of training this week due to feeling unwell.
Kevin (metatarsal) could make an earlier return than initially expected but Ryan Sessegnon (knock) and Alex Iwobi (hamstring) are still ruled out.
Bournemouth could welcome Julio Soler (thigh) and Justin Kluivert (knee) back into contention.
Lewis Cook (hamstring) is unlikely to be risked in this match but could return for their final two matches of the season.
Alex Jimenez won’t be part of the squad after he was suspended pending disciplinary proceedings, due to a social media related issue.
When is Kick-Off?
Fulham host Bournemouth at Craven Cottage on Saturday 9 May at 3pm BST, untelevised live in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Fulham have claimed five points in their last seven league meetings against Bournemouth (W1, D2, L4).
- Bournemouth have lost one of their four previous Premier League visits to Fulham (W1, D2, L1)
- Two of Fulham’s last three home games against Bournemouth in the top flight ended in 2-2 draws, whilst they won the other clash by a 3-1 result.
- Fulham have scored one goal in their last four matches (W1, D1, L2).
- Eli Junior Kroupi has scored in each of Bournemouth’s last two matches (W1, D1).
Prediction
Given their poor record at Arsenal, Fulham realistically weren’t going to get anything from that match but they at least brought some second-half fight, yet this is now must-win if want to put themselves firmly in the mix for sixth place going into their last two matches.
Bournemouth meanwhile absolutely cruised past a lacklustre Crystal Palace in a dominant 3-0 home win but this is going to be a tougher test, although they do have sixth in their own hands now so this is a game that they can’t afford to lose if want a chance at European football next season.
Nevertheless this match is crucial for both teams but given that Marco Silva’s Cottagers have scored one goal in their last four matches, I just fancy Bournemouth to nick this.
Prediction: Fulham 1-2 Bournemouth
Result: Fulham 0-1 Bournemouth
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