Preston vs Fulham Predictions

Preston vs Fulham predictions for this EFL Cup clash. Preston North End face Premier League side Fulham at Deepdale on Tuesday evening, looking to pull off an upset in the third round of the 2024-25 EFL Cup. Read on for our free match preview and betting tips.

EFL Cup | Third Round | Sep 17, 2024 at 7.45pm UK at Deepdale

Preston vs Fulham Predictions

Can Fulham Overcome Preston’s Stubborn Resistance in the EFL Cup?

• Fulham’s Consistent Second-Half Dominance: Fulham have made a habit of turning up the heat after the break. They’ve scored the majority of their goals in the second half in their recent matches, a trend that suggests they are likely to find success later in the game against a tiring Preston side. With players like Iwobi and Jimenez proving dangerous in transitions, this game could follow a similar pattern.
• Preston’s Struggles in Front of Goal: Preston have managed only three goals in five league games this season, a worrying stat when considering their chances against Fulham. Their lack of attacking output is compounded by their reliance on a handful of players like Sam Greenwood and Emil Riis Jacobsen. Facing a more robust defence, it’s hard to see them adding to that tally.
• Fulham’s Set-Piece Threat: Marco Silva’s side have excelled from set-pieces, with a notable 6.8 accurate crosses per game this season. With Preston’s vulnerability in dealing with aerial threats—evidenced by their low number of duels won in defence—Fulham could exploit these situations, particularly with the likes of Jimenez or their centre-backs making their presence felt in the box.

Best Bet

As Preston North End prepare to welcome Fulham to Deepdale for this third-round EFL Cup tie, both sides find themselves at different ends of the football spectrum. Preston, competing in the Championship, have shown moments of promise but remain inconsistent, while Fulham, a Premier League side, have started their campaign solidly, making them firm favourites. This clash offers an exciting contrast in form and league positioning, with Preston looking to spring a surprise against more illustrious opposition. Fulham, meanwhile, aim to continue their strong start to the season and progress further in the cup. The atmosphere at Deepdale will undoubtedly be buzzing, but the focus will be on how Preston handle the Premier League challenge.

Fulham’s performances across both league and cup fixtures have demonstrated that they possess the quality to hurt any opponent, but cup competitions can throw up unexpected results, particularly against lower-league teams eager to cause an upset. Preston have already shown resilience by advancing past Sunderland and Harrogate Town, but Fulham will be a far more significant hurdle. With both sides looking to secure their place in the next round, Tuesday’s encounter promises to be an intriguing battle between Championship underdogs and Premier League stalwarts.

For those looking for a reliable betting tip, the best bet for this encounter is Draw/Fulham Half Time/Full Time, and there’s good reasoning behind it. Preston have proven to be relatively stubborn in cup ties this season, but their recent form in the Championship has been far from impressive. Fulham, meanwhile, have started their season with a solid mix of results and should have too much firepower for their hosts over the full 90 minutes. However, Preston may frustrate the Premier League side early on, particularly given Fulham’s tendency to take time to settle into games.

One key aspect of this prediction lies in the fact that Fulham have drawn in two of their last four matches across all competitions, showing they aren’t always fast out of the blocks. Similarly, Preston have displayed defensive resilience, especially at home, and could keep things tight in the first half before Fulham’s superior quality comes through. Preston’s recent draw against Middlesbrough demonstrated their capacity to hold out for long periods, and their solid structure under Paul Heckingbottom should give them a fighting chance to keep the scoreline level going into half-time.

Furthermore, Fulham’s attacking prowess, as seen in their cup win against Birmingham City and their draw with West Ham, should eventually overwhelm Preston’s defence. With players like Raul Jimenez and Alex Iwobi capable of unlocking defences, it’s likely that Fulham will find their breakthrough in the second half, ultimately securing a victory. BettingTips4You.com expert Steve Harrington encapsulates this thinking: “Fulham’s quality should shine through in the second half once they wear down Preston’s resistance, making Draw/Fulham a strong option for punters.”

Backing the draw at half-time followed by a Fulham win is supported by both teams’ current form. Preston’s goalscoring issues, combined with Fulham’s gradual build-up play, suggest that the home side might keep things tight initially, but the Premier League side should have enough to break the deadlock and take control in the latter stages of the match.

Correct Score Prediction: Fulham to Win 2-0

Given the context of the game and the likely flow of play, a 2-0 victory for Fulham appears the most logical correct score prediction. Preston have struggled to consistently find the back of the net, and their Championship form—where they have only scored three goals in five matches—suggests they will struggle to break through Fulham’s well-drilled defence. Additionally, Preston’s overall xG (expected goals) for the season has been low, reflecting their inability to generate many clear-cut chances.

On the flip side, Fulham’s defence, while not impenetrable, has conceded just one goal per game on average in the Premier League so far this season. They are well-organised and will likely stifle Preston’s attacking threats. Fulham’s attacking unit, including Jimenez, has shown flashes of promise, and they should have enough about them to secure a two-goal margin. A 2-0 scoreline aligns with the rationale of the best bet (Draw/Fulham HT/FT), where the first half remains tight before Fulham assert their dominance in the second period.

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