Fulham look to end a five match win-less league run but face a tough challenge as they play host to a Derby County side who are just outside the play-off places. After making it to the end of season play-offs last season, many people tipped Fulham as a serious promotion contender. However, things haven’t gone to plan and they sit in 17th position, the same number of points outside the top six as they are above the relegation zone. They have lost their last two without scoring a goal, and are on a run of three defeats in five win-less league matches. Their last Championship victory came at Queens Park Rangers at the end of September.
Only one win from eight at home, as well as five draws, is the main reason for their lowly position. Far too many points have been dropped and they need to string together a run of victories if they are going to climb back up the table. Recent League Form – LLDLDW.
English Championship – Craven Cottage, London – Saturday 18th November – 17:30 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 5/2 at Skybet |
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Fulham
Derby CountyDerby County
Derby have shown themselves to be genuine contenders for at least a play-off place this season, and they sit just a point outside the top six. A run of seven league games unbeaten, including four consecutive victories, was ended last time out with a 4-2 defeat at home to Reading. It was a surprising defeat to a struggling Reading side and they will need to improve to pick up anything from this match. They are unbeaten in four away from home, with draws at Brentford and Cardiff followed by wins at Norwich and Leeds. Recent League Form – LWWWWD.
Team News
Fulham are still without Lucas Piazon and Sheyi Ojo, who are both still over a month away from fitness following long-term injuries. The hosts are also without midfielder Kevin McDonald, who is suspended after reaching the yellow card limit. Derby have no new injuries or suspensions, with Darren Bent and George Thorne being their only unavailable players. Both have been missing since pre-season though, so their absence will not impact the team.
Head to Head
Derby have the recent head to head advantage, with four wins in the last seven meetings, while Fulham have won just one of the last eight league meetings. The most recent meeting was in April this year, when Derby won 4-2 at home. There have been six draws from ten meetings with Fulham as the hosts, with both sides picking up two wins apiece.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Despite the difference in league position and recent from, Fulham are a somewhat surprising betting favourite for this match. Ladbrokes have the home side priced at 23/20, Derby are priced at 12/5, and the draw is 5/2. We do not think Fulham are playing well enough to beat Derby at the moment, but we cannot rule out a draw. Therefore, our prediction for this match is Derby or Draw in the Double Chance market, priced at 8/13.
Both teams have scored in nine of Fulham’s last eleven league matches, and Derby’s last three have seen both sides find the net. Both sides have also scored in the last three league meetings, so it would be foolish to back against both scoring here. Both Teams to Score is priced at 8/13, with Derby to Win and BTTS at odds of 9/2. There have been thirty-three goals in the last eight meetings, which is over four a game, so it may pay to bet on plenty of goals in this match. Over 2.5 Goals is priced at 4/5, with Over 3.5 at odds of 7/4. BTTS and Over 2.5 Goals could be a good bet at odds of 11/10.
Top Betting Tip
Our top betting tip for this match is Derby to Win or Draw in the Double Chance market, at odds of 8/13 with Sky Bet.