A resurgent Fulham side host Brighton & Hove Albion at Craven Cottage, with both managers seeking consistency in the Premier League.
Alex Iwobi would have been the most relieved man at Old Trafford last weekend when he finally scored the all-important goal in the game deep in injury time. The strike secured Fulham, who face Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend, a famous win against Manchester United, with the Nigerian particularly guilty of missing at least two good chances during the game.
In any case, Marco Silva will have welcomed the result, which essentially adds to their topsy-turvy, inconsistent season so far. Fulham must decide what they want to achieve in the remainder of the campaign, as they still might have something in sight.
As things stand, they are one of the settled sides in mid-table, as mathematically, they can still make a dash for one of the last European places. But that seems unlikely in its current form. Hence, Silva must take the remainder of the season as a chance to start building ideas on this side and look to play without the handbrake.
Much like Fulham, Brighton are also one of the most inconsistent sides this season in England, as their rollercoaster of a campaign continued. Despite going on a big run without wins, the Seagulls have maintained their quest for a European place, although Roberto De Zerbi will have been disappointed at their FA Cup exit.
Wolves’ Mario Lemina’s close-range strike in the second half prevented Brighton from progressing to the quarter-finals in consecutive seasons. However, De Zerbi will want his players to re-focus on their Premier League campaign and the trip to Craven Cottage.
Brighton still has plenty of work ahead of them, especially with some big games, which could quest for a European place. Hence, De Zerbi will want results against mid-table clubs, starting with Fulham in London.
Team News & Tactics
Fulham
Marco Silva will be satisfied with his players’ fitness, although Fulham continue to miss a few of their critical stars. Raul Jimenez remains sidelined with a thigh problem, while crucial midfielder Joao Palhinha must serve the second game of his suspension for accumulating ten yellow cards this season.
Sasa Lukic impressed in Palhinha’s absence at Old Trafford and has given Silva no reason to even think about changing the midfield. Harrison Reed, his midfield partner last weekend, is doubtful for this clash against Brighton and will undergo a late assessment before the game.
Should he not make it to the squad, Silva might bring Tom Cairney into the mould and put him in that midfield double pivot. Andreas Pereira, Alex Iwobi, and Harry Wilson will likely keep their spots in the attacking third, with the impressive Rodrigo Muniz leading the line.
Similarly, at the back, Calvin Bassey and Tosin Adarabioyo seemed stronger as a defensive pair and should keep their places. Timothy Castagne also impressed for Fulham, as the Belgian and Antonee Robinson are expected to feature in the full-back roles.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Adarabioyo, Bassey, Robinson; Reed, Lukic; Wilson, Pereira, Iwobi; Muniz
Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton might have been inconsistent on the pitch this season, although their injury list has been consistently long and arduous. The loss of Kaoru Mitoma to a potential season-ending injury will be a massive blow for Roberto De Zerbi.
Solly March, Jack Hinshelwood, Joao Pedro, and James Milner are the other confirmed absentees, while Billy Gilmour must serve the second of his three-match ban. De Zerbi might bring Carlos Baleba into the mix for this trip to Craven Cottage and pair him with Pascal Gross in central midfield.
Meanwhile, on January’s arrival, Valentin Barco made his debut, and upon first impressions, the Argentine can play left-back or even as a left winger. Hence, De Zerbi might see him as a part-time replacement for Mitoma if he utilises his versatile talents.
Danny Welbeck will lead the line with Evan Ferguson, who is still out of form as things stand. The forward will have the support of Simon Adingra, Facundo Buonanotte and probably Julio Enciso, who has come back fit at a crucial time for Brighton.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Lamptey, van Hecke, Dunk, Estupinan; Gross, Baleba; Adingra, Buonanotte, Enciso; Welbeck
Key Stats
- Over 2.5 goals were scored in 12 of Fulham’s last 15 games in the Premier League.
- In all competitions, Fulham have seen over 2.5 goals in five of their last six home matches against Brighton & Hove Albion.
- Fulham are undefeated in their last eight matches against Brighton & Hove Albion in all competitions.
- Brighton & Hove Albion have one victory in their last seven Premier League away games.
- Brighton & Hove Albion have failed to win their last five matches in London.
Player to Watch
Simon Adingra
The Ivory Coast international, fresh from winning the AFCON, must take more responsibility on his shoulders in the late-season run-in for Brighton & Hove Albion. The winger will have additional pressure, considering Kaoru Mitoma will miss the remainder of the season, although the return of Julio Enciso could offset that.
However, for Adingra, it is a big chance to step into the spotlight and set the standards for himself at Brighton under Roberto De Zerbi. The manager will hope to see more of the Ivorian in the remainder of the season, as this is a massive opportunity for the winger to shine.
Prediction
Fulham 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion
These are two of the most inconsistent sides in the Premier League, and their clash in the capital might not show anything different from either team. Having beaten Manchester United last weekend, Fulham will feel confident. But Brighton & Hove Albion can surprise them by springing into form.
Roberto De Zerbi will come under more pressure to have a higher league finish than Marco Silva, which might be the catalyst for determining the result. However, either side are terrible at their defending and could concede some goals, as this game has all the hallmarks of an entertaining draw.
