This weekend, football fans are in for an exciting contest as two solid mid-table outfits, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham, clash at Molineux. With both teams eyeing a spot in European football next season, this match could go either way.
Wolves started the round in tenth place, just four points away from the top-seven. Despite suffering a setback last week with a 3-0 defeat at Newcastle, they have shown their potential with three Premier League wins from four matches prior to that (L1). Manager Gary O’Neil has instilled a more dynamic attacking style of play, resulting in an average of 1.5 goals per game – their highest ever in a Premier League season.
However, Wolves have struggled to find the back of the net in their recent home Premier League head-to-head matches, failing to score more than a single goal. Nevertheless, their solid defensive performances have helped them remain undefeated, with two wins and a draw in the last three encounters against Fulham.
Fulham, on the other hand, head into this gameweek three points behind their hosts. Recent form suggests they have the potential to make a late charge towards the European spots. Under the guidance of manager Marco Silva, Fulham have lost just one of their last six league games (W3, D2). In their most recent matches, they secured impressive wins against potential rivals for European qualification, defeating Manchester United 2-1 and Brighton 3-0.
These victories have given Fulham a much-needed boost in confidence, especially considering their struggles away from home earlier in the season. Prior to their recent success, they had only managed to accumulate four points in their previous ten away league games (D3, L7). The Cottagers will be eager to complete a first-ever league double over Wolves, and with their recent performances, it is a realistic possibility.
As the match unfolds, keep an eye on Wolves midfielder João Gomes, who could make a return to the squad after missing the last game. Gomes has been a robust presence in midfield, leading the Premier League in fouls committed ahead of this round (43). Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz is another player to watch, having contributed to six goals in just five matches (G5, A1). His goal and assist against Brighton showcased his attacking prowess and impact on the team.
It is worth noting that Wolves have a strong record against Fulham at home, having never lost to them in the Premier League (W5, D2). This historical advantage could provide an additional boost for the hosts as they aim to secure a vital victory.
Overall, this match promises to be an intriguing battle between two ambitious teams vying for European qualification. Wolves will be determined to bounce back from their recent defeat and maintain their pursuit of European football, while Fulham will be eager to continue their impressive form and secure a first-ever league double over their opponents. With key players on both sides capable of making a significant impact, fans can expect an exciting and hard-fought encounter at Molineux.
Hot stat: Wolves have played no side in the Premier League more often than Fulham at home without ever losing (W5, D2).