Fulham vs Tottenham Hotspur Predictions

Fulham vs Tottenham Hotspur predictions for Tuesday’s EFL Cup second round affair at Craven Cottage. Spurs have started the new season on a high under their new manager and they are desperate to win silverwares. They can kickstart their bid in style in west London with a win against the Cottagers. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Match Live Tuesday, 29th August at 7:45 pm In:

Fulham vs Tottenham Hotspur Predictions

Craven Cottage Clash: Fulham’s Resilience vs Tottenham’s Dominance

Arguably the most enticing clash in the EFL Cup’s second round is on the horizon as Fulham are set to host Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage. Both teams come into this tie with contrasting fortunes from the weekend’s league fixtures, which is sure to influence their approaches and our predictions.

Recent Team Performances

Fulham’s Rollercoaster Ride:

Fulham’s start to the 2023-24 Premier League season has been a mixed bag. They’ve managed to accrue four points from their initial three games, placing them at a decent 11th in the league standings. The journey began positively with Marco Silva’s men stealing a 1-0 win away at Everton. However, the subsequent 3-0 home loss to Brentford dampened spirits. They bounced back by ensuring Arsenal couldn’t take all three points, thanks to Joao Palhinha’s late equaliser. While they’ve shown resilience, Fulham’s inconsistency could be their undoing.

Spurs on a High:

Tottenham, led by Ange Postecoglou, have had a more stable start. Following a 2-2 draw with Brentford, they’ve registered two consecutive league victories, the latest being a comfortable 2-0 triumph against Bournemouth.

Tottenham’s history with the EFL Cup is more decorated, having lifted the trophy four times. Their impressive recent form against Fulham, staying unbeaten at Craven Cottage since 2011, further bolsters their confidence.

Team News and Tactical Insights

Fulham will be without Calvin Bassey, following his red card against Arsenal, and potentially without Willian, who’s nursing a muscle injury. However, with the return of Tim Ream from suspension and a potential reshuffling that might see the likes of Tom Cairney and Harrison Reed getting nods, Fulham will hope to field a competitive side. Despite Raul Jimenez’s commendable display against Arsenal, it is anticipated that Carlos Vinicius will spearhead Fulham’s attack.

In contrast, Spurs have a lengthier injury list including Tanguy Ndombele, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Ryan Sessegnon. Nevertheless, Tottenham’s squad depth allows them to rotate and still maintain quality. Ivan Perisic, Oliver Skipp, and Emerson Royal are likely inclusions in the starting XI, with Fraser Forster taking his position as the guardian between the sticks.

Statistics & Predictions

In-Depth Analysis:

When diving deep into the numbers, it’s evident that Tottenham’s superior ball possession (61%) allows them to control games. Their attacking prowess is reflected by an average of 17.3 shots per game. Defensively, they’ve only conceded two goals so far, highlighting their solidity.

Fulham’s stats paint a more concerning picture. They’re ranked 15th in the league based on their average rating. They’ve also conceded five goals in three matches, translating to a worrying average of 1.7 goals conceded per game.

Tactical Analysis:

Offensive and Defensive Strategies: Fulham’s recent draw against Arsenal highlighted a blend of resilience and opportunistic play. They started on the front foot with Andreas Pereira’s early goal, demonstrating an intent to disrupt the opposition early. But Fulham’s defensive frailties became evident when they conceded two, only to rally late with Joao Palhinha’s leveller. Their offensive strategy seems anchored on rapid transitions, as seen with Palhinha’s knack for finding crucial goals.

Tottenham, on the other hand, appears more measured and lethal in front of the goal. Their 2-0 victory over Bournemouth showcased their ability to find the back of the net consistently. Players like James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski have become vital cogs in Spurs’ attacking machinery. Defensively, with just two goals conceded in three matches, they demonstrate a sturdy backline.

Key Player Performances: For Fulham, Joao Palhinha stands out, not just for his goals but also for his overall play. Aleksandar Mitrović and Issa Diop also play pivotal roles in Fulham’s dynamics. Tottenham’s offensive might is bolstered by James Maddison, while defensively, Cristian Romero seems integral. Their stats, especially Maddison’s impressive average rating, attest to their importance.

Management Impact: Marco Silva’s inclination towards prioritising the league is evident. Given Fulham’s start to their Premier League campaign, Silva might view the EFL Cup as a secondary concern. This perspective could lead to a different lineup against Spurs, focusing on resting primary players. Ange Postecoglou, meanwhile, seems to have reinvigorated Tottenham, getting them to play an aggressive brand of football. Without the pressure of European games, the EFL Cup might be a genuine target for Postecoglou and his team.

Comparison and Dynamics: Recent histories lean in Tottenham’s favour. Spurs have dominated their matchups against Fulham, particularly at Craven Cottage. Tactically, while Fulham thrive in moments of disruption, Spurs’ strength lies in consistent pressure and a fortified defence. Player-wise, while Fulham has shining moments from individuals, Spurs seem more cohesive and potent.

Suggestions for Improvement: Fulham would do well to address their defensive vulnerabilities. Their recent draw against Arsenal highlighted how they can be overwhelmed. Bolstering their defence, perhaps with more support from midfield, can make a significant difference. Tottenham, while impressive, should be wary of complacency, especially given Fulham’s unpredictable nature.

Pros and Cons: Fulham’s unpredictability and resilience are their strengths. Players like Palhinha have the ability to surprise opponents. However, their defensive frailties and perhaps an over-reliance on moments of brilliance can be their downfall. Tottenham boast a balanced team, with a blend of solid defence and potent attack. However, their previous successes against Fulham might make them overconfident, which can be a potential pitfall.

Key Predictions:

1. Both Teams to Score: YES

Football often throws surprises our way, but when you delve deep into the recent form and gameplay of both Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur, there are clear signs pointing towards a fixture where both teams are likely to find the back of the net.

Starting with the hosts, Fulham’s recent attacking flair is evident. Their brave showing against Arsenal, which ended in a 2-2 draw, is a testament to their ability to score against top-tier opposition. A key observation was their resilience in pushing for a late equaliser. João Palhinha’s 87th-minute strike against Arsenal portrays a side that refuses to relent, even in the dying moments of a game.

Tottenham, on the other hand, notched up a clean 2-0 victory over Bournemouth, showcasing their offensive firepower. Names like James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski appearing on the scoresheet provides further evidence of the depth and breadth of Spurs’ attacking options.

Given these narratives, it’s plausible to predict an encounter where both teams have their scoring moments. Thus, backing both teams to score seems a logical punt for those seeking value in this fixture.

2. Correct Score: 2-1 in favour of Tottenham

In trying to predict the exact outcome of a football match, it’s imperative to consider the recent form, head-to-head statistics, and potential lineups. All these variables seem to indicate a tight encounter with Tottenham just edging it.

Spurs have displayed consistent form, as evidenced by their back-to-back Premier League victories. While Fulham’s fighting spirit, especially their comeback against Arsenal, cannot be underestimated, Tottenham’s superior firepower and recent head-to-head dominance (winning eight of their last nine against Fulham) tilt the prediction slightly in their favour.

Considering Fulham’s defensive vulnerabilities, having conceded five goals in their first three matches of the season, and Tottenham’s offensive prowess, with six goals in the same period, a 2-1 victory for the visitors feels like a probable outcome.

3. Goalscorer Prediction: Dejan Kulusevski

When diving into the pool of potential goalscorers for this fixture, Dejan Kulusevski stands out for a plethora of reasons. The young forward has already found the back of the net in the early stages of the season, signalling good form and confidence.

Kulusevski’s goal against Bournemouth not only added to his personal tally but also showcased his ability to step up in crucial moments. Moreover, considering the changes both teams are likely to make for this cup fixture, the dynamics of the game might allow Kulusevski more spaces and opportunities than in a typical Premier League encounter.

Given Fulham’s defensive stats, specifically the fact that they’ve conceded an average of 1.7 goals per game this season, there’s a considerable chance for Tottenham’s attacking players to exploit those gaps. Among them, Kulusevski, with his recent form, agility, and keen eye for goal, is well poised to be on the scoresheet.

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