Fulham vs Wolverhampton Wanderers: Premier League Survival Battle at Craven Cottage

In a crucial Premier League fixture set to occur at Craven Cottage, Fulham will face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon. This match represents a pivotal opportunity for both teams to improve their standings as the league’s relegation zone looms for the struggling Wolverhampton.

Fulham enters the match with significant momentum, having secured victories against Brentford and Crystal Palace before the international break. Joao Palhinha‘s team will aim to secure a third consecutive Premier League win for the first time since January 2023, which could potentially propel them into the league’s top four, depending on other results. Currently, Fulham stands at 18 points from 11 matches, just a point behind the four teams directly above them in the table.

The team has shown resilience at home, securing 10 points from their first five matches at Craven Cottage. While the Cottagers have struggled historically against Wolverhampton, a 3-2 home victory over them last season provides hope of a similar outcome. Marco Silva will look to capitalize on his team’s home form, though they have yet to win consecutive home matches since March.

For Wolverhampton Wanderers, the season started poorly as they failed to win any of their first 10 Premier League games. Nevertheless, their spirits were lifted by a critical victory against Southampton at Molineux, which pulled them off the bottom of the league table. Gary O'Neil, the team manager, expressed satisfaction with his squad’s «gritty performance» during that match.

Despite the recent win, Wolverhampton remains in a precarious position at 19th place, two points behind 17th-placed Ipswich Town. The team has struggled while visiting London, losing seven out of their last ten away matches in the capital. Moreover, their performance at Craven Cottage has been historically weak, with just one victory in their past eight league visits.

Saturday’s clash will test both teams’ offensive strengths. Fulham has scored in all five of their home matches this season, while Wolverhampton has managed to find the net in ten consecutive league matches, scoring twice in four of their last five outings. Team lineups will be pivotal, especially for Wolverhampton, who is grappling with several long-term injuries, including crucial players like Hugo Bueno and Pedro Neto.

On the other hand, Fulham’s only notable injury concern involves Bernd Leno, who is sidelined due to a shoulder issue but could still make a return this weekend. Marco Silva may consider starting Harry Wilson, who has been impressive off the bench recently.

Both teams will have to carefully strategize in this matchup, recognizing that every point is vital in the battle against relegation. Analysts consider Fulham the slight favorites due to their home advantage, but Wolverhampton is determined to continue their resilience post the international break.