Tottenham vs Fulham Preview
- Spurs to win
- Over 2.5 goals
Tottenham Hotspur host Fulham in a fascinating London derby as they look to bounce back from a midweek Europa League disappointment.
With Spurs aiming to keep their top-four chase alive and Fulham seeking to extend their impressive run in London derbies, this clash promises to be an intriguing battle.
Tottenham Hotspur: Seeking Stability
Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham have had an eventful week, highlighted by a sensational 4-0 win over defending Premier League champions Manchester City.
However, their momentum was tempered by a 2-2 draw against Roma in the Europa League, where Spurs twice squandered the lead.
Spurs’ dominance against Fulham in recent years should provide confidence. They’ve won 13 of the last 14 Premier League home games against the Cottagers, with their only loss coming in 2013.
Tottenham also boast an impressive record of 8 wins and 1 draw in their last nine league H2Hs overall.
One area of concern for Postecoglou is Spurs’ inconsistency in London derbies, where they’ve won just 6 of their last 16 such matches (W6, D3, L7).
James Maddison will be key for Tottenham’s chances. The midfielder has been instrumental this season, often extending Spurs’ lead with decisive contributions.
Fulham: Rising to the Occasion
Fulham arrive at Tottenham on the back of a mixed bag of results. While they were humbled 4-1 at home by Wolves last weekend, their record in London derbies remains a source of pride.
Fulham are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League derby matches (W4, D3), their joint-longest streak in top-flight history.
Marco Silva’s side has also shown resilience on the road, particularly against top-half opposition. A 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest and a close 3-2 defeat to Manchester City underscore their ability to compete away from home.
Saša Lukić, who scored in the previous H2H, will play a pivotal role in midfield. Returning from injury, Lukić will be tasked with stifling James Maddison’s creativity while also looking to contribute offensively.
Key Battles
James Maddison vs Saša Lukić
Maddison’s vision and ability to influence games make him a constant threat.
Lukić will need to be disciplined to contain Maddison, whose knack for extending Tottenham’s lead could be decisive.
Spurs’ Attack vs Fulham’s Defense
With Richarlison and Son Heung-min leading the line, Spurs have the firepower to trouble Fulham’s defense. Fulham’s backline, which struggled against Wolves, will need to tighten up to avoid another high-scoring affair.
Fulham’s Counterattack vs Spurs’ Defense
Fulham have shown they can be dangerous on the break, particularly through players like Harry Wilson and Andreas Pereira. Spurs must be wary of quick transitions, especially given Fulham’s strong away performances.
Tactical Analysis
Tottenham are expected to dominate possession, leveraging their attacking midfield to create chances and press Fulham’s defensive unit. Postecoglou’s side will look to exploit Fulham’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in wide areas.
Fulham, meanwhile, will aim to frustrate Spurs by staying compact and organized. Silva’s team will rely on counterattacks and set pieces to create opportunities, with Aleksandar Mitrović’s physicality a potential factor against Spurs’ defense.
Prediction: Tottenham 3-1 Fulham
Tottenham’s attacking depth and dominance at home against Fulham should see them through. While Fulham’s impressive record in London derbies could keep them competitive, Spurs’ firepower, led by Maddison and Son, is likely to prove too much.
Expect Fulham to have moments of promise, particularly on the counter, but Tottenham’s overall quality should secure them an important three points as they continue their push for a top-four finish.
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Spurs v Fulham, 2024/25 | Premier League