SOUTHAMPTON host Fulham on Saturday in the Premier League. Marcus Ally (@Marcus_Ally_4) oversees the encounter.
Southampton vs Fulham | Saturday 15th May 2021, 15:00 | Sky Sports
With three games to play both Southampton and Fulham find themselves playing for pride with the visitors' fate on a return to the Championship already sealed.
Scott Parker’s men teased at competing against the drop but have faded away pretty dramatically and find themselves only one place above West Bromwich Albion who have taken a lot of stick for their poor performances, the narrative around the Cottagers terrible campaign has been interesting.
They travel to St. Mary’s with nothing to lose, hopefully the relegation will at least release the shackles, a touch to which Parker has been intent on keeping in place despite being behind the eight ball from the opening knockings of the campaign.
Process
Even with their poor totals for the season, Fulham have been better in terms of the eye test and expected goals (xG) this term, ranking 15th by expected points (xP).
Going forward has been a real problem from the onset, and has led to them notching just 25 times from 41.4 xGF, Southampton have created chances equating to just one more xG than the visitors however have scored 19 more goals. It is clear to see which side has the more potent frontline.
The Saints have had an extremely poor second half of the season, had they not started the campaign so excellently they would be right in the mix to slip into the second tier. Danny Ings has not had the same impact as last term, despite still being a valuable forward, and the defensive solidity they once showed has fallen away dramatically.
So much so that I am looking to tip up and selection that involves Fulham finding the back of the net.
Goals?
Both sides have the armoury to produce an entertaining game, hopefully the tactics will facilitate that.
- Saints have scored in seven of ten.
- Saints have conceded in nine of ten.
- Saints have seen both teams score in six of ten.
- Saints have seen over 2.5 goals in seven of ten.
- Fulham have scored in four of ten.
- Fulham have conceded in eight of ten.
- Fulham have seen both teams score in three of ten.
- Fulham have seen over 2.5 goals in three of ten.
Best Bet
Southampton vs Fulham – Both Teams To Score (19/20 Sport Nation)
