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Fulham vs Southampton: Can Saints deliver a holiday present?

By Ryan Borowski

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 01: Danny Ings of Southampton celebrates with teammates Jannik Vestergaard and Stuart Armstrong after scoring his team's fourth goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Southampton at Villa Park on November 01, 2020 in Birmingham, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 01: Danny Ings of Southampton celebrates with teammates Jannik Vestergaard and Stuart Armstrong after scoring his team's fourth goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Southampton at Villa Park on November 01, 2020 in Birmingham, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /
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Southampton are back in London to take on newly-promoted Fulham for a Boxing Day match that the Saints will look to be victorious for supporters.

Fulham, currently sit in 18th entering this match and Southampton find themselves in 7th after the previous week’s result.

Fulham, are coming off of three consecutive draws and have to be gaining some confidence in the Premier League. The Saints need to bounce back after a loss to Manchester City and this is the perfect match for them to bounce back.

The Saints have been victorious in 5 of the last 6 meetings between the two so let us see how either Fulham can change that or how Southampton will keep the trend alive.

How Fulham Will Win

Fulham, have only scored 13 goals this season and this will pose an issue for them if they hope to get a result in this match. The good news? Their defense has only conceded 2 goals in their last three matches and they will have to rely on that for a result on Saturday.

Southampton still struggle to break down a team when they drop back and defend and if Fulham are smart they will do just that and look to hit the Saints on the counter.

A player like Mitrovic who can hold up the ball while the wide players make runs will be crucial for their success.

If this turns out to be a low scoring match with only a goal or two in it I suspect Fulham may end up with a point or three.

How Southampton Will Win

The Saints will need to make sure Fulham are never comfortable on the ball and when they turn them over they need to strike quickly. I would like to see some quicker movements and passes by the Saints this match.

The key the Saints scoring multiple goals will be to not let the defense get back and settled into their low-block. Without Danny Ings I think we may see Tella start up top and his pace could be helpful in this match.

We could also see a debut handed out to Mohammed Salisu and this will be a good chance for the player to impress against a team that struggles to score.

If Southampton score first I like their chances to win this match. Getting that second goal will be the key to the match.

dark. Next. Saints interested in defender Jorge Fernandes

Predicted Line-ups

Fulham: 3-4-1-2

Goalkeeper: Alphonse Areola

Defenders: Tosin Adarabioyo, Michael Hector, Joe Bryan

Midfielders: Bobby Reid, Andre-Frank Anguissa, Harrison Reed, Antonee Robinson

Attacking Midfielder: Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Strikers: Aleksander Mitrovic, Ademola Lookman

Southampton: 4-2-2-2

Goalkeeper: Alex McCarthy

Defenders: Kyle Walker-Peters, Mohammed Salisu, Jan Bednarek, Ryan Bertrand

Midfielders: James Ward-Prowse, Ibrahima Diallo

Attacking Midfielders: Stuart Armstrong, Moussa Djenepo

Strikers: Che Adams, Nathan Tella

Predicted Score

Fulham 1-3 Southampton

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