Fulham – Bournemouth : Preview & Prediction
Fulham start the day inside the top ten after making a decent start to their return to the Premier League (PL), although recording back-to-back defeats for the first time this season has perhaps dented the confidence of Marco Silva’s side. They conceded seven goals in those two defeats, meaning Fulham have now conceded 18 goals this league season – only three PL teams have conceded more.
Silva felt his side were the better side on the pitch until they conceded a penalty in their 3-1 defeat at West Ham last week, but also admitted his side will have to “keep learning and improving” in the future. Winning this clash would be proof that Fulham paid attention to the board given that the Cottagers have won just one of their last ten league games against Bournemouth (E4, P5).
Many people felt Bournemouth were certain candidates for relegation this season after they were humiliated 9-0 by Liverpool at the end of August, with former manager Scott Parker claiming in the wake of that defeat that the Cherries desperately needed new players. However, under interim manager Gary O’Neil, Bournemouth are unbeaten in five consecutive PL games (G2, E3), while conceding just four goals, a total no other PL side can better during that period.
That 9-0 defeat was the visitors’ only loss in their last four official away games (G2, E1), so they must be confident they can continue their recent impressive run this time around. Given that Craven Cottage has historically proven to be a welcoming venue for Bournemouth, who have avoided defeat in each of their last seven league games there (G4, E3), it would be foolish to assume the Cherries cannot extend that run in this clash.
Players to watch: For this matchday opener, Fulham’s sturdy midfielder João Palhinha has made more sweeps than any other PL player (35). He will be looking to try and stop Dominic Solanke, who enjoyed facing Fulham last season, scoring both Bournemouth goals in a pair of 1-1 draws in this particular clash.
Key stat: Bournemouth have suffered defeat in seven of their last eight PL games in London (G1).
Fulham – Bournemouth : Betting Tips
Fulham – Win Odds: 2.25
