Will Fulham seal Southampton’s fate?
Written by Jack Stroudley on 12th May 2023
Jack Stroudley looks ahead to our penultimate away game of the season.
Following an eight goal thriller on bank holiday Monday, Fulham are still in with a chance of breaking their record Premier League points total and this weekend presents a good opportunity to get one step closer when we head to Southampton. The Saints have really had a season to forget and cannot afford to drop a single point in order to give themselves a chance of Premier League survival, this could be the first time that Fulham have relegated a side since 2005, but how could we be the final nail in Southampton’s coffin?
The opposition
This season won’t be one to remember for Southampton who sit rock bottom of the Premier League, 1 win from their past 12 and appear doomed to Championship football next season. They’ve improved going forward in recent weeks but as a whole have struggled under Hasenhuttl, Jones and now Selles with 64 goals conceded and only 31 scored in 35 matches. All focus is on James Ward-Prowse to provide some creativity for the saints with the likes of Theo Walcott and Carlos Alcaraz popping up with the odd goal or two over the course of the season.
How do we prepare?
A very positive attacking display on Monday was also met with a slightly concerning defensive performance in the second half. Here’s how I would line-up.
I only have one change from Leicester City as the returning Aleksandar Mitrovic replaces Carlos Vinicius. This may feel harsh on the Brazilian who has acclimatised to the side well over the past few weeks and has even grown a good partnership with Harry Wilson. Mitrovic has to play for me though, a player who always needs confidence to play at his best and what better opportunity to get some confidence than playing bottom of the league?
Other than that, no other changes for me as I feel that everyone deserves to keep their place in the side. With Dan James still out injured, could Jay Stansfield sneak onto the bench after returning from Exeter City on loan in the week?
The final verdict
Despite some glimmers of attacking threat over the last few weeks, I am not particularly worried about the game this weekend. Fulham look strong going forward and with the opportunity to break our record points total still feasible, Marco and co will go for it and I think we will relegate Southampton. Southampton 1-3 Fulham.
