Fulham host Derby County in the Championship next weekend, hoping to end a run of five matches without a win. However, with their opponents sitting just outside the playoffs thanks to four wins in their last five matches, it could well be a difficult one to predict at Craven Cottage. Two of the early season promotion favourites meet in South-West London next weekend, with Fulham hosting Derby County on Saturday evening.
English Championship – Craven Cottage, London – Saturday 18th November – 17:30 UK Time
|
Draw Best Odd of: 5/2 at Skybet |
|
Fulham
Derby CountyThe duo are in completely different sets of form, however many within the game are still predicting a close encounter when they take to the field at Craven Cottage. Managers Slaviša Jokanović and Gary Rowett will go head to head for the three points, with both clubs likely to go for the win. With little separating the duo in the betting odds found at online bookmakers, be sure to check out our top tip below for a helping hand. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with Fulham.
Fulham Team News & Form
Fulham’s defeat at league leaders Wolves last time around was their fifth consecutive match without a victory, with the pressure now on boss Jokanovic to start delivering results at Craven Cottage. His side have just four victories to their name all season, leaving Fulham in 17th position in the Championship standings. With the likes of Captain Tom Cairney, Rui Fonte and Rafa Soares in their playing squad, Fulham are a team with undoubted quality, who are currently playing below their expected level. Youngster Ryan Sessengnon is expected to line up once more for the home side, with the England youth international having been linked with a move to the Premier League already. A lack of goals is certainly effecting Fulham’s results however, with the pressure on Fonte and Lucas Piazon to start delivering in front of goal.
Derby County Team News & Form
Derby’s defeat at home to Reading last week was their first defeat in five matches, showing the recent improvements that Gary Rowett’s team have made. The visitors are now separated from a playoff position by goal difference alone, with a win at Craven Cottage almost certain to move them up the table. Rowett has the experience of the likes of Darren Bent, Chris Martin and Richard Keogh to call upon, however it is Matej Vydra who has been the star for Derby over recent weeks.
Head to Head
The two clubs have met 15 times since 2000, with Fulham having won five of these fixtures, while also drawing six times in the process. Derby did however win the last clash between the two clubs, a 4-2 success at Pride Park back in April of this year.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Despite sitting behind their opponents in the table, it is Fulham who are the firm favourites for victory next weekend. Those looking to back the home side can get best odds of 23/20 with Ladbrokes, while a win for the visitors can be found at appealing odds of 12/5 with the same bookmaker.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on the ‘Fulham or Draw’ market at Ladbrokes, which is available to back at odds of 1/3.