Fulham welcome Southampton to Craven Cottage this Sunday for a crucial Premier League encounter. While Fulham aim to consolidate their position in the top half, the Saints are desperate to halt a dismal run of form and climb off the foot of the table.
The match also marks the potential start of a new era for Southampton under recently appointed manager Ivan Juric, pending his confirmation on the sidelines.
Fulham have impressed in recent weeks, taking points off top teams like Liverpool and Tottenham. However, defensive frailties persist, as Marco Silva’s men have kept only one clean sheet in their last ten games.
Southampton, by contrast, enter this clash reeling from a 5-0 humiliation against Spurs, but their spirited midweek EFL Cup loss to Liverpool showcased signs of resilience.
Fulham will be without Andreas Pereira due to a suspension following his yellow card against Liverpool. The Brazilian’s absence adds to a growing injury list that includes Kenny Tete (knee), Reiss Nelson (thigh), and Harrison Reed (knee).
On a brighter note, Calvin Bassey and Tom Cairney return from suspension, while Joachim Andersen is expected to recover from a calf issue to bolster the backline.
Silva may rely on the creativity of Emile Smith Rowe in Pereira’s absence, while Sander Berge is expected to partner Saša Lukic in midfield. Up front, Raul Jimenez will likely lead the attack, flanked by Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi.
Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Iwobi, Smith Rowe, Wilson; Jimenez
Here is how the side last lined up
Southampton may see Aaron Ramsdale return to goal after recovering from a finger injury. Kyle Walker-Peters is also expected back after missing the midweek clash with Liverpool.
However, Jack Stephens remains suspended, and key absentees include Will Smallbone (thigh), Gavin Bazunu (Achilles), and Ross Stewart (calf).
Juric is likely to implement his preferred back-three formation, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jan Bednarek at its core. Youngster Dom Ballard could feature in attack, supported by Adam Armstrong and Flynn Downes in midfield.
Ramsdale; Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Wood; Sugawara, Downes, Fernandes, Walker-Peters; Dibling, Armstrong; Archer
Here is how the side last lined up
