Fulham vs Bournemouth Preview
- Both teams to score
- Over 2.5 goals
Fulham welcome Bournemouth to Craven Cottage for their final Premier League fixture of 2024. Both sides are in impressive form, making this a fascinating matchup with European qualification aspirations on the line.
Fulham: Flying High Under Marco Silva
Fulham are buzzing after a historic 2-1 Boxing Day win at Chelsea, a result Marco Silva described as the best in decades for the club’s fans.
That victory extended their unbeaten Premier League run to six matches (W2, D4), leaving them level on points with Manchester City and firmly in the hunt for European qualification.
Craven Cottage has been a solid base for Fulham, who are unbeaten at home in December (W1, D2).
Silva’s record against Bournemouth adds another layer of confidence, as he’s never lost a home H2H against the Cherries in charge of Fulham, Everton, or Hull City (W3, D2). A strong result here would cap off a memorable year for the Cottagers.
Key Player: Harry Wilson
A former Bournemouth loanee, Wilson has been decisive for Fulham this season, with four of his goals arriving after the 80th minute, including a crucial equaliser against Chelsea. His late-game heroics could be key again.
Bournemouth: Consistent but in Need of a Spark
Bournemouth head to London after a 0-0 Boxing Day draw with Crystal Palace, a result manager Andoni Iraola described as “half of the job.”
While defensively sound, the Cherries lacked cutting edge, something they’ll need to rediscover if they are to extend their current six-match unbeaten run (W4, D2).
Bournemouth’s away form has been a cornerstone of their resurgence, with the Cherries chasing a fourth consecutive league away win for the first time since December 2023.
Each of their last three away victories featured over 2.5 goals, and another entertaining encounter seems likely at Craven Cottage.
Key Player: Antoine Semenyo
Semenyo’s three away goals this season have all come after half-time, including a strike against Manchester United in their stunning 3-0 pre-Christmas victory. His pace and finishing will be vital in breaking down Fulham’s defence.
Tactical Battle
- Fulham’s Approach:
Marco Silva’s Fulham will look to control possession and utilise their wide players, especially Harry Wilson, to exploit Bournemouth’s defence. Fulham’s ability to strike late in games could prove crucial. - Bournemouth’s Approach:
Iraola will likely adopt a balanced strategy, combining defensive solidity with quick transitions. Semenyo and Dominic Solanke’s movement in the final third could stretch Fulham’s backline.
What’s at Stake?
- Fulham: Victory would solidify their European qualification push and ensure a strong finish to 2024.
- Bournemouth: A win could propel them into the top six, ending the year on a high.
Head-to-Head Insights
- Fulham are unbeaten in their last three home H2Hs against Bournemouth (W1, D2).
- Marco Silva has never lost a home H2H against Bournemouth (W3, D2).
- Bournemouth are unbeaten in six league matches (W4, D2).
- Harry Wilson has scored four of his goals this season after the 80th minute.
Prediction
Both sides are in excellent form, making this an evenly matched contest. While Bournemouth’s strong away record adds intrigue, Fulham’s confidence and unbeaten home run in December may give them the edge in front of their fans.
Prediction: Fulham 2-1 Bournemouth
This clash promises entertainment and intensity as Fulham and Bournemouth vie for a strong year-end finish. Can Fulham continue their remarkable rise under Silva, or will Bournemouth’s away form steal the show? Craven Cottage is set for an exciting showdown.
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Fulham v Bournemouth, 2024/25 | Premier League